Arrest of the Leader of the New Generation Party in Sulaymaniyah on Defamation Charges

Iraqi police arrested Shaswar Abdul Wahid, the leader of the New Generation Party, one of the largest opposition parties in the Kurdistan Region, during a raid on his home in Sulaymaniyah on Tuesday night, in compliance with a judicial order.

The spokesperson for the Sulaymaniyah police, Sarkot Ahmed, confirmed at a press conference that "the arrest was made under a judicial order," noting that Abdul Wahid will be presented before a special court on Wednesday.

A judicial source, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated that Abdul Wahid was sentenced in absentia to six months in prison for failing to attend court sessions related to a defamation complaint filed by a former member of parliament. The source added that the ruling may be overturned on Wednesday for reconsideration of the case, with the possibility that the opposition figure may request bail or remain in custody.

It is noteworthy that Shaswar Abdul Wahid, a politician in his forties who has previously survived an assassination attempt and has been arrested several times, is known for his sharp criticism of the two ruling parties in the region—the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Kurdistan Democratic Party—and his calls for combating corruption and improving economic conditions.

The New Generation Party, which has made significant progress by winning 15 seats in the region's parliament, described the arrest of its leader in a statement as "similar to mafia gang activities." The party also referred to a previous statement by Abdul Wahid in which he warned that "if the salary issue is not resolved this week, the New Generation will take a significant stance next week."