One Year After Assassination of PUK Official, Family Demands Justice

August 18, 2024  marks the first anniversary of the assassination of Niaz Dargalayi, a prominent member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) advisory council and former member of the Kurdistan National Union (KNU) central council. Dargalayi was shot dead in his garden house in Ranya on the evening of August 18, 2023.

In a statement released by Dargalayi’s family, they revealed new details about the case, alleging that the assassination was politically motivated. According to the family, security officials presented documents shortly after the murder, indicating that it was an assassination, but refused to release the documents to the public. Despite their efforts, the family claims that the case has been deliberately buried by PUK officials to avoid political fallout, warning that further investigation could lead to civil unrest.

The day after Dargalayi’s murder, Raperin police classified the incident as an “unknown murder,” revealing that his body had three bullet wounds. Although an investigation was launched, the case has remained unresolved.

Dargalayi held various administrative roles, including governor of Choman, Ruandz, and Dukan, and served as a PUK military commander during the civil war. His family believes his assassination is tied to his involvement in that conflict, which created lasting enmities.

In their statement, Dargalayi’s family expressed deep disappointment with the PUK’s handling of the case, accusing the party of indifference and neglect. They emphasized that the lack of action and transparency is as painful as the assassination itself, vowing to continue their pursuit of justice.

The family also criticized the party’s failure to hold those responsible for the civil war accountable, arguing that Dargalayi was merely following orders during the conflict. They warned that the current leadership, drunk on power, may face the same fate as former dictator Saddam Hussein, whose downfall serves as a reminder that power and wealth cannot shield against the consequences of violence and terror.

The family concluded their statement by pledging to honor Dargalayi’s legacy and continue seeking justice for his assassination.

Harki

I am a dedicated member of the Syndicate of Kurdistan Journalists with over seven years of experience in both local and international press. My background includes roles as an editor, translator, and social activist. Through my work, I am committed to ending corruption and human rights violations by uncovering and sharing the truth about what is happening in Kurdistan.