Kurdish Activists Protest Legalization of PMF

London/Manchester – 14 August 2025

Dakok Organization held demonstrations in both London and Manchester to denounce the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF/Hashd al-Shaabi) and a proposed law in Baghdad seeking to formalize the militia group’s role within Iraq’s state structures.

In London, activists gathered in front of the Iraqi Embassy, holding placards and chanting slogans condemning the Iraqi government’s attempt to grant Hashd al-Shaabi further legitimacy. Speakers at the protest warned that institutionalizing the militia would strengthen sectarian armed groups and undermine Iraq’s democratic and legal framework.

In Manchester, the demonstration took place outside the Iraqi Consulate, where protestors were visibly monitored by consulate staff. Activists held up graphic posters featuring militia leaders with blood stains marked across their faces, symbolizing the killings and abuses attributed to Hashd al-Shaabi. Bold slogans denounced impunity and called for accountability for crimes committed against Iraqi civilians, journalists, and activists.

Organizers from Dakok emphasized that legitimizing the militias through law not only entrenches Iran-backed groups in Iraq’s political and security system but also poses a direct threat to freedom of expression, civil society, and the safety of marginalized communities.

KurdFile Editor Mr Harki showcased the event in Manchester, he witnessed that the consulate members were watching and recording the event more than once, but protestors were not afraid to utter their viewpoints.

Manchester

 

London