2016 Assyrian protest
| 2016 Assyrian protest | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Assyrian–Kurdish land dispute | |||
 photo taken by one of the protestors | |||
| Date | 13 April 2016 | ||
| Location | |||
| Caused by | Alleged seizure of Assyrian-owned lands | ||
| Resulted in | |||
| Parties | |||
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| Number | |||
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2016 Assyrian protest was a demonstration held by Assyrians in the Kurdistan Region on 13 April 2016. The protest was organized in response to ongoing land disputes involving the alleged illegal appropriation of Assyrian-owned lands by Kurdish individuals in the Nahla Valley region.
Background
[edit]Assyrian Christians in northern Iraq, particularly in the Nahla Valley, raised concerns about land disputes and property seizure by Kurdish individuals or groups, often claiming lack of legal recourse or government support.[4]
Protest
[edit]On 13 April 2016, dozens of Assyrians attempted to gather in front of the Kurdistan Parliament building in Erbil to protest the alleged land seizures.[1] Protesters primarily came from the Nahla Valley region. Kurdish security forces (Asayish) reportedly blocked roads and imposed travel stopped many Assyrians from reaching the protest site in Erbil.[1][2]
Aftermath
[edit]The demonstration was dispersed, and Human rights organizations criticized the Kurdistan Regional Government for obstructing freedom of assembly and for suppressing the protest. [1] Assyrian activists and community leaders reiterated calls for legal recognition and protection of their ancestral lands.[2][4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Iraqi Kurdistan: Christian Demonstration Blocked". Human Rights Watch. 22 April 2016.
- ^ a b c "Assyria: Kurdish Forces Impose Blockade on Four Towns". Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization. 14 April 2016.
- ^ https://www.fides.org/en/news/71158-ASIA_IRAQ_Iraqi_Kurdistan_steps_forward_in_the_fight_against_illegal_expropriations_suffered_by_Christian_owners
- ^ a b "Responses to Information Requests". Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Retrieved 2 May 2025.