UK-wide Kurdish Protests Condemn Mass Arrests and Salary Crisis in Kurdistan

UK – 26 June 2025 KurdFile Media

In response to the mass arrest of over 100 peaceful protesters in the Kurdistan Region, Kurdish activists in the UK organized simultaneous demonstrations in seven major cities, including London and Manchester, rallying in front of the Iraqi Embassy and Iraqi Consulates to denounce political repression and economic injustice in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The protests were led by the Dakok Organization for Rights and Freedom, in coordination with teachers, journalists, and civil society activists. The movement comes after authorities affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) arrested dozens across the region within just 24 hours for organizing peaceful protests over delayed salaries and basic rights.

“This is a historic day,” said Dakok members during their protest. “While our people suffer under the harshest economic and political conditions, those in power enjoy palaces and privilege. We say to the Barzani and Talabani families: step out of your golden castles the people are starving.”

Protesters accused the ruling Kurdish parties of turning the Kurdistan Regional Government into a personal business empire, warning that KDP, PUK, and Baghdad officials will be held accountable internationally for their role in suppressing civil rights.

“We stood today in front of the Iraqi diplomatic missions in the UK, not in silence, but in resistance,” said Diyar Harki, a leading activist with Dakok. “The Kurdish people will not accept humiliation through delayed salaries and unjust arrests.”