In Kirkuk, a Kurdish farmer received a six-month suspended sentence after building on his own land. The court handed down the decision during an ongoing dispute with the army stationed in the area. The farmer expressed frustration, describing the ruling as a return to old oppressive practices.
He strongly criticized the verdict, calling it a “Baath-style” decision. According to him, this is not an isolated case. Instead, it reflects a broader campaign of pressure on Kurdish landowners in regions outside the administration of the Kurdistan Regional Government. He emphasized that Kurdish farmers continue to face systematic legal and military challenges.
Local residents voiced concern over similar actions targeting Kurdish citizens. They claimed security forces often side against Kurdish landowners. Many believe these actions aim to weaken the Kurdish presence in the area through intimidation and legal measures.
Moreover, Kurdish leaders in the region have condemned the ruling. They argue that it threatens peaceful coexistence in a city known for its ethnic diversity. They urged courts and security forces to respect land rights and avoid politically motivated decisions.
Despite the sentence being suspended, the case raised alarm among Kirkuk’s Kurdish community. Tensions remain high as more landowners fear similar legal consequences.