Security forces in Sulaimani accused of serious crimes: Independent Commission for Human Rights report

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The Independent Commission for Human Rights in the Kurdistan Region has raised the alarm over allegations against members of the security forces, accusing them of serious crimes including murder and rape.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the commission emphasized that the primary duty of the security forces is to protect citizens' property and maintain peace. "The security forces cannot be involved in crimes," the statement asserted.

The commission highlighted two recent incidents involving security personnel in Sulaimani. Last week, a security force member allegedly killed an individual. In a separate incident, another security force member is accused of murdering a tea seller. Both incidents involved official weapons, raising questions about the misuse of firearms within the security forces.

The commission expressed grave concern over the continued use of weapons by citizens to settle disputes, leading to numerous cases of killings, shootings, and social unrest.

To address these issues, the commission underscored the need for improved training for security personnel. They called for stricter regulations to prevent security forces from using their weapons outside of official duties and from being involved in criminal activities.

In a related incident, a young man named Ari was killed in the Raparin neighborhood of Sulaimani on Saturday night. According to a statement from the Sulaimani security forces, authorities quickly responded to the scene, apprehending the suspect along with a member of the Sulaimani-based Peshmerga commando forces, who is charged with aiding the suspect.

The Independent Commission for Human Rights is urging immediate action to address these serious issues and ensure that security forces fulfill their duties responsibly and ethically.