The Iraqi government has not allowed any construction materials to enter Makhmur (Mexmûr) Camp since 10 April 2025 and does not allow workers to go to other cities in Iraq to work. Iraq, which imposes an absolute embargo on the camp, also states that it will not renew the identities of the camp residents. 

In order to discuss the lifting of the embargo and the solution of the identity problem, a delegation from the Makhmur People's Assembly travelled to Baghdad yesterday and held a meeting with the Ministry of Justice. The delegation was detained while returning to the camp after the meeting. The people of Makhmur organised a mass march against the increasing pressures of the Iraqi government and then set up a tent and started a vigil.

 

The mass march started in front of the "Makhmur Martyrs' Families Organisation" and the slogans "Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)" and "Bijî Berxwedana Mexmûrê (Long live resistance of Makhmur)" were frequently chanted. The march continued until the checkpoint at the entrance of the camp. After a short meeting with the crowd expressing their reaction, the crowd was informed that the Makhmur People's Assembly delegation would be released in a few hours. In the statement made upon this, it was stated that the masses will continue their protests until the delegation is released.

 

'WE WILL RESIST UNTIL OUR FRIENDS ARE RELEASED'

 

Ali Bilehi, Co-Chair of the Makhmur People's Assembly Divan, drew attention to the embargo that has been continuing since 10 April and said, "All workers who want to leave the camp to work are either arrested or turned back. Yesterday, they increased the severity of the embargo by detaining the delegation representing the camp that met with the Ministry of Justice. We condemn the detention of the delegation by the Iraqi army. In no country, representatives and people's leaders who carry out problem solving or diplomatic work are detained. This is persecution. We have been resisting for 30 years. No one can force us to do what they want. We will not submit to oppression, we will resist. A child who was injured when a piece of iron hit his head during yesterday's storm could not be treated because he did not have an ID card. This is a persecution. On the one hand, talks are being held, on the other hand citizens are being detained. These are arbitrary approaches. We will resist against this. We will resist until our friends are released."

 

TENT ACTION STARTED

 

The people of Makhmur set up a protest tent in front of the checkpoint where Iraqi forces are stationed at the entrance of the camp in order to protect their will. The people's reaction to the detention, oppression and embargo continues.