Lahur Talabany, a jailed opposition leader and former co-president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), announced that he and his brother have begun a hunger strike in Sulaymaniyah prison. He said the action protests how authorities handle his case.
In a Facebook statement, Talabany said he has spent eight months in detention without fair legal or institutional procedures. He added that he and his brother, Kak Polad, will continue the hunger strike until officials ensure a proper legal process.
A representative from the People’s Front confirmed the statement was genuine and published directly from Talabany.
Security forces arrested Talabany, his brother, and several associates in late August after a raid on the Lalezar Hotel in Sulaimani. Asayish and Counter-Terrorism units led the operation.
Authorities accuse him of involvement in planning attacks, including an alleged assassination attempt against PUK president Bafel Talabani. His party rejects all accusations and calls them politically motivated.
Security officials released statements they described as confessions from detainees. They said the individuals acted under Talabany’s orders. The People’s Front rejected those claims and questioned their validity.
In his statement, Talabany accused political figures of influencing the judiciary. He specifically mentioned Bafel Talabani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, saying their influence affects court decisions.
He also said courts in Sulaymaniyah do not act independently. His supporters argue that political rivalry drives the case rather than legal evidence.
Talabany appeared in court earlier this year for the first time since his arrest. His legal team requested a transfer of the case to the Court of Appeals in Erbil, where officials now review it.
Authorities released several detainees linked to the case in recent months. Court records confirm multiple releases between January and February. Talabany, however, remains in detention.