2011 Kurdish protests in Iraq
| 2011 Kurdish protests in Iraq | |
|---|---|
| Part of the 2011 Iraqi protests | |
Map of Iraqi Kurdistan.
|
|
| Date | 21 February – 30 April 2011 |
| Location |  Iraqi Kurdistan |
| Causes |
|
| Goals |
|
| Methods |
|
| Result | Status quo |
The 2011 Kurdish protests in Iraq were a series of demonstrations and riots against the Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq. The autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan experienced protests distinct from protests elsewhere in Iraq, which took place concurrent with the Kurdish protests. These Kurdish protests were also related to the Kurdish protests in Turkey and protests in Iran, as well as a general uprising in Syria joined and supported by Syrian Kurds.
Inspired by the Arab Spring, the Movement for Change, a major opposition party, called for the resignation of the Cabinet and the disbanding of the Kurdistan Regional Government. The movement was criticized by ruling and opposition parties for causing unnecessary unrest.Qubad Talabani was quoted saying there was no need for the disbanding because "unlike Tunisia & Egypt, there is an open political process with a viable opposition in Kurdistan.". Despite the criticism the Movement for Change pushed for demonstrations.
Protests erupted in the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan, mainly in the city of Sulaimaniya where a crowd of 3000 protesters gathered against corruption and social injustice. The demonstrations turned violent when a group of protesters tried to storm the headquarters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and threw rocks at the building. The security guards responded by shooting into the crowd several times to disperse them during which two people died and 47 were wounded. The Movement for Change took responsibility for the demonstrations but said it had nothing to do with the storming of the building and condemned the attack on the headquarters.
...
Wikipedia