Assyrian Party accuses Kurdish leader of neglect and injustice in open letter

Published on July 28, the letter from ADM’s Secretary-General, Yacoob Gorgis, states that the worsening situation has "reached an unacceptable point" and that "remaining silent is no longer a viable option." Gorgis expresses disappointment that Masrour Barzani’s cabinet has failed to address long-standing Assyrian grievances—just like its predecessors.

Lack of Enforcement of Court Rulings on Assyrian Lands

The core criticism in the letter focuses on Assyrian-owned lands in several villages that have been illegally occupied by Kurds and not returned, despite court rulings in favor of the original owners.

"Numerous court decisions have been made in favor of our people—particularly concerning villages in Nahla, Hezajut, Zakho, Sarsing, and Upper Barwar—yet the government has demonstrated no intention of implementing them.

Gorgis suggests this reluctance is due to the involvement of powerful individuals tied to the ruling party. He asks rhetorically: "In such a situation, where can our people turn for justice, if even court rulings are ignored?"

The letter is accompanied by copies of court rulings related to the land cases mentioned.

The undermining of Ankawa

Gorgis also highlights the situation in Ankawa, a predominantly Assyrian district of Erbil, where recent protests by the residents have erupted over ongoing encroachments.

"The transformation of Ankawa—following the theft and unlawful seizure of its lands—into a center for questionable activities, facilitated by certain authorities, raises serious concerns about the true intentions behind these actions..."

He questions whether the government sees Ankawa residents as second-class citizens and accuses the ruling party of exploiting its power to dominate and surveil the district.

Second-class citizens

Contrary to the KRG’s touted public image of coexistence and equality, Gorgis argues that Assyrians are subjected to second-class treatment and humiliation:

"What is being perpetrated under your rule against our people in both Erbil and Duhok is not only unjust—it is deeply humiliating and degrading."

Gorgis says further that hate speech against Assyrians is on the rise in the region with the authorities being indifferent.

"Our people are not leaving because of fear or threats to their physical safety, but because justice is absent and confidence in the government and its institutions has been profoundly shaken. This has created a climate of uncertainty, with the future appearing increasingly bleak and unreliable."

A calculated move or a desperate call?

The letter and its tone represent a rare instance of the Assyrian Democratic Movement (ADM) openly criticizing the Kurdish leadership in such a direct manner. As the Assyrian political group with arguably the broadest popular support, ADM has long maintained a diplomatic approach, seemingly keen to avoid antagonizing the ruling Kurdish party, the KDP. The Assyrian Democratic Movement has previously kept a low profile even as the Kurdish KDP party has worked—more or less openly—to undermine it by favoring and supporting rival Assyrian groups aligned with it, and by capturing the Assyrian parliamentary minority quota seats in the regional parliament through strategic voting practices with the aid of aligned groups.

Several factors may help explain ADM’s departure from its previously cautious tone. One general reason could be the growing strength of the central government in Baghdad, contrasted with the KRG's increasing political and economic decline. The KRG stands to lose a significant portion of its revenues, has become increasingly dependent on Baghdad for the payment of public sector salaries, and is likely to forfeit its ambitions of developing an independent oil industry and export infrastructure. These macro-developments may have emboldened ADM to adopt a bolder stance.

Another possible explanation is that ADM’s leadership has concluded there is nothing left to lose. While the party was previously careful not to jeopardize the already fragile presence of Assyrians in the region, it may now believe the situation has deteriorated to a point where continued caution offers no hope of survival for the community—an argument explicitly stated in the letter. The recent grassroots protests held by residents of Ankawa may also have played a role. These demonstrations may have prompted ADM to act out of concern that its traditional role as the protector of Assyrians is being challenged or eroded by such independent civic efforts.

Yet another factor that may help explain the decision to publish the open letter is the upcoming Iraqi national elections scheduled for early November this year. The Assyrian Democratic Movement lost its minority parliamentary seats in the October 2021 Iraqi parliamentary elections, when the quota seats allocated to Assyrians were effectively captured by the Babylon Movement, which drew its support largely from Shia Arab voters rather than the Assyrian electorate. As a result, ADM lost its federal parliamentary representation for the first time since its previously consistent presence. The letter could thus be seen as an effort by ADM to reposition itself as the de facto political actor representing the interests of Assyrians in Iraq.

As of the time of publication, Masrour Barzani has not responded to the open letter.