PUK Commando Force accused of overstepping authority in Sulaimani

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Commando force is facing accusations of committing a series of crimes in Sulaimani, including the recent closure of the Chawder Center, a cultural institution.

Over the past few months, Sulaimani has witnessed killings, kidnappings, injuries, and the closure of an educational institution, with the Commando force allegedly involved in most of these incidents.

Political observers believe the force has usurped the role of official agencies like the police and security forces, and some of its actions are aimed at intimidating citizens.

"What the commando force is doing is not its job at all," said political observer Saman Faris to Kurdistan24. "The commando force’s duty is to protect the borders of the Kurdistan Region, not to enter the city of Sulaimani and threaten the citizens who are earning a living."

The actions of security forces in the Kurdistan Region are governed by law, particularly the Kurdistan Region Security Council Law. According to legal expert Zana Tawfiq, some of the Commando force's activities may fall outside the scope of the law.

"We have a law called Law No. 4 of 2011, which is called the Kurdistan Region Security Council Law, and most of the security services in the Kurdistan Region fall under the umbrella of the Kurdistan Region Security Council," Tawfiq said. "In fact, it is the duty of these people to protect the rights of citizens."

The Commando force's alleged actions, including the killing of a tea seller last August, have raised concerns among political observers and legal experts, who argue that these actions threaten civilian lives and violate existing laws.