Bryar Hassan: A Martyr of a City, Evidence of an Authority’s Crime
In an exclusive interview with Kurdfile, Barham Hassan, the brother of Bryar Hassan, shared new insights into his brother’s tragic case, shedding light on the events and systemic injustices that led to his martyrdom.
Who Was Bryar Hassan?
Born in 1990 in Said Sadiq, Sulaimani province, Bryar Hassan was a graduate of the Computer Institute, specializing in Data and Information. He was known for his determination and dreams of a better future.
How and Why Was Bryar Killed?
On January 2, 2014, just two years after graduating, Bryar joined peaceful demonstrations in Sayed Sadiq, demanding, “Where is our university?” alongside local residents. The protest was met with brutal force by masked members of the “Defense and Emergency Forces,” a unit under the Interior Ministry but controlled directly by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
According to Barham Hassan, over 15 masked individuals opened fire on the demonstrators, injuring several citizens. Photographs and evidence document these masked attackers and their actions.
Who Ordered the Killing?
At the time of Bryar’s martyrdom, Karim Shangali served as Interior Minister under the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), with Jalal Sheikh Karim as his deputy. Barham Hassan alleges that Sheikh Jalal Sheikh Karim was instrumental in mobilizing the forces that ultimately led to Bryar’s death. He further claims Sheikh Jalal actively obstructed justice in the case. Hassan mentioned that Jalal Sheikh Karim is the one who was in charge of power in our district, he didn’t let the court prosecute the killers.
What Were the Court Decisions?
Six individuals were initially arrested for Bryar’s murder under Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which addresses premeditated murder. However, due to tribal and political pressure, the charges were downgraded to Article 405, which defines accidental killing. The suspects were released on bail after just six months.
Despite the family’s persistent efforts over five years, the case was ultimately closed with no accountability. This denial of justice highlights the impunity often afforded to individuals tied to political and tribal networks.
The Authority of the Murder is a British passport holder!
The revelation of Sheikh Jalal Sheikh Karim’s involvement, coupled with his status as a British passport holder, raises serious questions about accountability and oversight. His alleged role in shielding perpetrators while holding a position of influence highlights the troubling intersection of political favoritism and impunity.
Kurdfile’s questioning of the United Kingdom’s vetting and observation processes for granting citizenship or residency to individuals with significant political or security roles in their countries of origin is a valid concern. It underscores the need for thorough background checks and continuous monitoring to ensure that those integrated into British society uphold values of peace, justice, and human rights, rather than enabling or engaging in actions that harm innocent people in their home countries.
Where Are the Suspects Now?
According to Barham Hassan, of the more than 15 individuals involved in the shooting, half have since died due to various causes, including fighting against ISIS and natural ailments. However, some remain free under the protection of Kurdish authorities, evading accountability for their crimes.
A Message from Bryar Hassan’s Family
Speaking to freedom fighters worldwide, particularly in the UK and Germany, Barham Hassan expressed gratitude for their solidarity and support, which he described as a source of strength against an oppressive regime.
“Our fight for justice is not just for our family but for all the people of Kurdistan,” he stated. “We have resisted tribal pressures to settle this matter and remain committed to holding those responsible accountable. The struggle for Biryar’s blood is a struggle for the dignity and rights of all Kurds.”
Bryar Hassan’s story is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens in the pursuit of justice and the systemic challenges they face in confronting entrenched power structures. His family’s unwavering quest for accountability resonates as a call for action and solidarity against oppression in Kurdistan and beyond.
سڵاو لە رۆحی پاکی