11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Abusive interrogation practices in detention facilities run by internal security force (Asayish) and intelligence service ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23631]

"Abusive interrogation practices reportedly occurred in some detention facilities run by the KRG internal security (Asayish) forces and the KRG intelligence services. UNAMI reported finding evidence that investigators disregarded instructions not to employ coercive methods with Asayish detainees in Erbil. Between April and June, 48 out of 66 detainees and prisoners UNAMI interviewed reported being tortured by officials. Allegations of abuse included application of electric shocks, suspension in stress positions, and severe beatings. In some cases, police threatened and sexually abused detainees, including juveniles."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Unknown conditions inside Kurdish intelligence detention facilities ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23637]

"The KRG intelligence services reportedly maintained separate detention facilities; however, there were no reports of access by outsiders to these facilities. The condition of prisoners and detainees in these facilities was unknown."

Document(s): Open document

08.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Kurdish security forces and arbitrary arrests, torture of political opponents, treatment of critical journalists ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-seekers") [ID 22912]

"The Kurdish parties and their armed forces are considered responsible for arbitrary arrests, incommunicado detention and torture of political opponents (e.g. perceived) Islamists and members of ethnic/religious minorities in their areas of jurisdiction in the three Northern Governorates and in areas under their de facto control further south, in particular the Governorates of Kirkuk and Ninewa. There are also concerns over the treatment of journalists perceived as critical of the authorities."

Document(s): Open document