Three Kurdish Party Leaders Held in PUK Prisons Amid Political Crackdown

SULAIMANI – The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) is holding three prominent Kurdish political party leaders in its prisons, raising alarm over an escalating political crackdown. Collectively, two of them represent 17% of the seats in the Kurdistan Parliament.

Lahur Sheikh Jangi, head of the People’s Front, was arrested today after PUK forces seized control of his party’s main headquarters in Laleezar. His party holds two seats in the Kurdistan Parliament. Sheikh Jangi is currently being detained in a PUK anti-terror facility and faces charges under Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code.

Shaswar Abdulwahid, leader of the New Generation Movement, was arrested on August 12, 2025, following a court order. His party holds 15 seats in the Kurdistan Parliament and nine seats in the Iraqi Parliament, making it one of the largest opposition forces in the region. Abdulwahid, who previously received a six-month prison sentence in absentia, was brought before court on Thursday and is scheduled to stand trial on August 28. He is currently being held at the police detention and transfer facility in Sulaimani.

The detention of these high-profile political leaders highlights the growing use of judicial measures and security forces against opposition in the Kurdistan Region, further deepening political turmoil.