KDP Accused of Exploiting Religious Figures for Political Gain

KDP Accused of Using Religious Spaces for Political Campaigning, Says Kurdfile

Kurdfile has raised fresh concerns over the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leveraging religious figures and spaces for political gain. During a recent event attended by Pashtiwan Sadiq, the KRG’s minister of religious affairs and a member of the KDP Political Bureau, a banner promoting a KDP youth organization was displayed prominently behind the minister. What has alarmed many is that the venue where the event was held is owned by a respected religious figure, raising questions about the politicization of religious spaces.

Kurdfile stresses that this further exemplifies how political interests are encroaching on areas meant for spiritual guidance, deepening the concern that religious leaders are being co-opted for personal and party gain. While religious freedom and civil liberties remain restricted for many in Kurdistan, the ruling parties appear to be capitalizing on their influence over religious communities for political purposes, a practice that must be addressed urgently.