The murder trial of Deniz Bülbün, the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) representative killed in Erbil (Hewlêr) last year, has been postponed once again due to the absence of the defendant’s lawyer.
The hearing, which took place on Monday at the Erbil Court, was attended by KNK Co-chair Ahmed Karamus, Bülbün’s relatives, several KNK members and international lawyers. However, the court panel cited the absence of the defendant’s lawyer as the reason for rescheduling the trial to an unspecified date.
This marks the second postponement of the trial, with the initial hearing on 10 July also delayed for the same reason.
Deniz Bülbün, the KNK’s Iraqi Kurdistan Representative, was killed in an armed attack on the KNK building in Erbil on 18 September. He was well-respected within the community for his dedication to Kurdish cultural and linguistic education. His murder has sparked outrage and condemnation among Kurdish activists and organisations, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by those involved in political and cultural advocacy in the region.
The incident sparked controversy, with some Kurdish officials, including KNK Co-chairs, suggesting the involvement of the KRI’s ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and its security forces. KNK Co-chair Ahmed Karamus labelled the attack a “serious crime” and implicated KDP-controlled security forces. The victim’s brother, Hişyar Bülbün, has demanded justice and transparency from the Kurdistan Regional Government. The case raises concerns about security and justice in the region, with calls for a thorough investigation and accountability.
Aso Haşim, one of the lawyers handling the case, stated that three people are implicated in the murder. Of these, two have been detained. One suspect is accused of financing the murder, while the other is charged with providing a silenced weapon. The two detained individuals, both Turkish nationals, have had their case processed in Erbil Criminal Court, with most legal procedures completed, and they face charges of terrorism and espionage. Haşim further revealed that the actual murderer is an Arab from Baghdad, who fled to Baghdad after the killing and has not yet been arrested.
Bülbün, a Kurdish language teacher and activist, had been living in Erbil for three years and was buried in his home village of Kısıklı (Dêlezi) in Yüksekova, Turkey.
The KNK has been operating officially in Erbil for the past ten years with permission.
