Akre: One of the Largest Garrisons of the House of Barzani
Diyar Harki – Founder of KurdFile
Due to its geographical significance bordering both Turkey and the Barzan region Akre has perpetually remained under the control of the Barzanis. Today, when matters of security and the KDP are discussed, the name of Akre immediately comes to the public’s mind.
Yet, Akre represents more than just Newroz, flowers, and narcissi. Since the 1990s, the presence of both clandestine and overt prisons, alongside merciless security henchmen, has bestowed a secondary identity upon this city one so grim that some people are loath to even mention its name, let alone visit.
Akre: A Modern Garrison!
Its streets are aesthetic and its villages are bountiful, yet the inhabitants effectively live under martial law. Presently, to survive, one must affiliate with either the KDP or the PUK. To deviate from these two sterile political breeds is to invite victimhood, regardless of one’s rank, position, or social standing.
Akre: A Timed Arsenal!
We witnessed this last night in the sub-district of Bardarash (Gerdasin), where two families engaged in a five-hour skirmish using both light and heavy weaponry. Even the government was unable to quell the violence and was forced to summon the military. Is this a township or an armoury? Due to the political climate and the militarisation of households, there is scarcely a home in this region without multiple firearms.
To liberate Akre and other cities from this predicament, a governance based on the rule of law must be established to organise the lives and affairs of the people. Courts must not be mere cardboard institutions; the police and security services should serve the public rather than acting as informants against them.
Author Profile
- Diyar Harki is an independent investigative journalist and human rights advocate. As a member of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), he focuses on exposing corruption and human rights abuses in Kurdistan and Iraq. He voluntarily contributes to Kurdfile Media.
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