Sabah Barzanji released in Sulaimani after a sudden arrest that sparked concern among Komal leaders and supporters. Barzanji, a senior figure in the Kurdistan Justice Group and a respected academic, was taken into custody overnight but walked free by midday.
A source from Sulaimani’s security forces confirmed the release without revealing why he was arrested. The official spoke anonymously, reflecting the sensitivity of the issue.
Abdulsattar Majid, a Komal parliamentarian and Supreme Council member, also confirmed Barzanji’s release. He said party leaders were notified shortly before noon. “It is true,” Majid stated. “We have also been informed of Dr. Sabah’s release.”
Earlier that day, Komal official Shwan Raber hinted at a likely release. He said, “We were told he would be released today,” though no timeline was guaranteed at the time.
Barzanji once served in the Kurdistan parliament during its third term. He currently lectures at a university and holds a senior position in Komal’s political ranks.
Despite his high profile, Sabah Barzanji released without any official charges or explanation. Majid voiced frustration, saying, “No official explanation has been given to us.” Other Komal members echoed the same concern.
The Sulaimani police also denied involvement. Their spokesperson, Sarkawt Ahmed, said, “He was not arrested by us.” This added more mystery to the case.
Tensions between the government and opposition figures have increased recently. Earlier this month, the Erbil Investigative Court issued an arrest warrant for another Komal figure, Ahmed Haji Rashid. That warrant related to Article 226 of Iraq’s Penal Code, which targets insults against state institutions.
Rashid has publicly criticized the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), which may explain the legal actions. Yet the court never fully disclosed the reasons.
Just days before Barzanji’s arrest, Sulaimani security forces detained other opposition lawmakers and journalists. These arrests aimed to block protests over unpaid salaries. At the time, officials said the arrests were preventive and intended to avoid chaos.
Authorities later apologized for detaining individuals unaware of any alleged plot. However, these incidents raise questions about political freedoms and transparency in the region.
Sabah Barzanji released quietly, but the unanswered questions remain.