İdris Masoud, a young resident of Erbil (Hewlêr), was reportedly abducted by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) forces after he expressed dissatisfaction with the decision by Masrour Barzani, the head of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s (KRI) temporary government, to reduce bread prices. This incident occurred amid a larger demonstration by Erbil’s bakery owners, who protested the decision, citing financial losses.
The abduction of Masoud, following his public criticism of Barzani’s decision to sell 10 loaves of bread for 1,000 Dinars, has raised concerns over freedom of expression in the region. The young man’s current whereabouts remain unknown, intensifying worries about his safety.
Responding to this event, Freedom Movement (Tevgera Azadî), a local political movement, condemned the abduction as a peak of oppression. They urged for the immediate release of the citizen and called for action against the government’s aggression towards the people.
In support of Masoud, a legal team comprising 24 volunteer lawyers, led by Attorney Aso Hashim, has been formed to defend his rights. “We have applied to visit the detained young man and are expecting his release within the day,” Hashim stated.