Ahmed Şehbaz, co-chair of the Maxmur Democratic People’s Assembly, was traveling back from a hospital in Sulaymaniyah (Silêmanî) where he had gone for some health issues when he was stopped and taken into custody, together with his driver, by the Iraqi army at the Hewice checkpoint.
Both Şehbaz and his driver, Gabar Nas, were taken into custody on 18 September, reportedly under arbitrary circumstances, and up to today they had still not been released.
Since 10 April, the Iraqi government has imposed a strict embargo and siege on the Maxmur refugees camp. Construction and infrastructure materials are blocked from entering the camp, and workers traveling to Iraqi cities are being detained without cause.
Previously, Ahmed Şehbaz, the deputy co-chair, and members of the camp’s diplomatic team were also taken into custody while attempting to meet Iraqi officials to address the camp’s issues on 14 May. Şehbaz was held in custody for 37 days.