Iraqi police seize People's Municipality building in Girzêrik, Shingal

According to Roj News Agency, the Iraqi police took control of the municipality building in Girzêrik and refused to vacate it despite repeated attempts, obstructing the provision of services to residents who have returned to the area.

It is worth noting that Girzêrik was one of the villages that resisted ISIS attacks during the 2014 massacre, making it one of the most severely affected areas, with the majority of its homes destroyed. Years after the residents returned, the Autonomous Administration in Shingal began offering various services, including the establishment of the People's Municipality in Girzêrik to meet the needs of the local population.

As part of what is considered a series of attempts by the Iraqi state to undermine the achievements of the people of Shingal and restrict them, police forces took control of the municipality building yesterday and prohibited its use as a service center, again without presenting any documents or official orders.

Roj News sources reported that the forces exploited the absence of employees during official working hours to seize the building.

Despite efforts by the Autonomous Administration and the municipality to understand the reasons behind this action and to communicate with the relevant authorities, the police personnel provided no clarifications and merely stated that they had orders to remain at the site.

Other sources confirmed to the agency that these forces are receiving direct instructions from Iraqi army units stationed in the area, which facilitated their entry into the municipality building.

It is noted that the Autonomous Administration in Shingal inaugurated the People's Municipality building in the village of Girzêrik, located in the Tal Azeer sub-district, on March 10, 2025, with the aim of providing services to returning families and supporting efforts to stabilize the region.

A-H 

ANHA