Bafel Talabani says no one is above the law after Lalezar events

SULAIMANI, Iraqi Kurdistan,— Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafel Jalal Talabani on Sunday addressed the recent armed confrontation at the Lalezar Hotel in Sulaimani city, describing it as a serious breach of security and calling for accountability through legal procedures rather than violence or media campaigns.

In a statement, Talabani accused what he called an illegal militia group of resisting government forces and endangering civilians during a security operation. “No individual or militia group is above the law,” Talabani said.

“Those who threaten security and stability must face accountability through legal and democratic processes — not through force, intimidation, or propaganda.”

The confrontation occurred on August 22, 2025 when security units loyal to the PUK party surrounded the Lalezar Hotel in western Sulaimani to execute an arrest warrant issued by a local court.

The operation targeted Lahur Sheikh Jangi Talabani, a former PUK co-chair who has become an opposition figure, along with his two brothers. Security officials said the suspects were inside the hotel when forces moved in to detain them, leading to an hours-long standoff involving heavy gunfire.

Residents reported hearing prolonged exchanges of fire, and nearby businesses closed as the area went on lockdown. The men were eventually taken into custody.

The arrest warrants were issued earlier that week, though the charges were not made public at the time. Following the operation, security forces loyal to the PUK alleged that Lahur Talabani had been planning to assassinate Bafel Talabani, a claim that has not been independently confirmed.

Bafel Talabani emphasized that the rule of law must remain the foundation for resolving disputes and urged citizens to rely on official reports rather than speculation.

“The institutions of law and justice must carry out their responsibilities without interference,” he said. “No one should attempt to impose their will through armed force or by influencing public opinion with false narratives.”

He added that the Kurdistan Regional Government’s security agency, Asayish, has released a report detailing the events and called on the public to allow judicial authorities to continue their work independently.

Location near Lalezar Hotel in Sulaimani city, where Lahur Sheikh Jangi Talabani was arrested on August 22, 2025, Iraqi Kurdistan. Photo: Channel8.com

Talabani also warned media outlets linked to the PUK against spreading unverified claims or inflaming tensions. “The press has a responsibility to present facts accurately and maintain public trust,” he said.

“We will not allow misinformation to undermine stability.” He further appealed to political groups to avoid resorting to violence, stating that armed groups cannot be allowed to override the will of the people for peace, unity, and democracy.

The confrontation highlights long-standing tensions within the PUK leadership. Lahur Sheikh Jangi Talabani once served as co-chair of the party alongside Bafel Talabani, but their partnership collapsed in 2021 amid allegations of corruption and internal rivalries.

Since then, Lahur has emerged as a vocal critic of the party leadership, and disputes have occasionally turned into security incidents. The August 22 standoff marks one of the most serious escalations in recent years between rival factions within the same political organization.

After the arrests, security forces maintained a heavy presence around the hotel and nearby streets to prevent further unrest. Witnesses said the area remained under tight control for hours, with residents advised to stay indoors.

Lahur Sheikh Jangi Talabani, the co-president of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan PUK party — Lahur Sheikh Jangi Talabani 2021. Photo: Talabani’s Twitter

While officials have not confirmed casualty numbers, the duration and intensity of the gunfire prompted concern among the public and renewed calls for stability in the region.

Judicial proceedings against Lahur Talabani and his brothers are expected to follow, though no court dates have been announced. Authorities have not provided further details about the nature of the alleged plot, and no independent evidence has been released to substantiate the assassination claim.

In his closing remarks, Bafel Talabani called for unity and adherence to the democratic process. “We must protect the rights of every citizen and ensure that the rule of law prevails over force,” he said.

“The people of Kurdistan deserve peace and stability, not armed conflicts and political violence.” The developments come at a time when the Kurdistan Region faces political fragmentation and security challenges, and analysts say the outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of the PUK and internal power dynamics in the region.

(With files from PUK media | Agencies)