Son of Ezidi leader apologizes for visiting Tehran with PKK-Hashd al-Shaabi delegation

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The son of a leader of the Kurdish Yezidi (Ezidi) community issued a statement on Tuesday, apologizing for his visit to Iran along with a Shia militia and a Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) affiliated armed group.

Samir Baba Sheikh, son of a leader of Ezidi community apologized that he had joined Sinjar Resistance Unit (YBS), PKK’s military wing, and Hashd al-Shaabi delegation to Tehran, stating that it was a mistake to join the delegation.

“I apologize to the friends and relatives regarding my visit to Iran,” Samir said, explaining his good intentions were used to try and create hostility between Ezidis and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

“The delegation should not have represented the Ezidis," he confirmed, adding that he had sought permission from the KRG, the Ezidis Spiritual Council, and Baba Sheikh.

"Some people within the delegation have taken advantage of our presence to use it against Kurdistan and we will not allow anyone to harm the relations between Ezidis and the Kurdistan Region President," he added.

Sheikh explained that he was in Baghdad for personal business at the German Embassy when the joint PKK-Hashd al-Shaabi delegation invited him to join them to visit Tehran and ask for humanitarian assistance for the Ezidis.

"I reaffirm that we will continue to serve the Ezidi people and Kurdistan," Sheikh concluded.

On January 24, YBS, PKK’s military wing based in the Ezidi-populated city of Shingal, and Hashd al-Shaabi, alongside a delegation from the Iraqi government consisting of representatives of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, met Iranian officials in Tehran.

The joint groups met with Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, and asked for the Iranian government's support.

Baba Sheikh the religious leader of the Ezidi community previously told Kurdistan24 that he has not been informed about the Ezidi delegation visiting Tehran.

“Nobody represents us [in any visit],” Baba Sheikh said. “We are not aware of the visit. Some people from Shingal and Baghdad have joined the delegation.”

Editing by Ava Homa