Erbil security forces (Asayish) issued a stern warning on Friday, declaring that any display or distribution of firearms during the upcoming election campaign is illegal and will result in legal action. This announcement comes as the Kurdistan Region prepares for its parliamentary elections, scheduled for October 20.

In a statement released late Friday, the Asayish emphasized that the Kurdistan Region’s Weapons Law will be strictly enforced. “Weapons Law will be applied to any individual or party that distributes arms during the election campaign,” the statement read.

Article 15 of the Weapons Law, enacted in 2022, mandates that anyone caught carrying, selling, repairing, or distributing firearms without a license will face severe penalties, including imprisonment for one to three years and fines ranging from two million to five million dinars ($1,527 - $3,817).

The warning follows past incidents in the 2018 legislative elections, where some candidates distributed guns to voters. The Asayish made it clear that such actions would not be tolerated this time and will be met with legal consequences.

Despite ongoing efforts by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to regulate firearms and reduce violence, deadly shootings remain a significant concern in the Region. Last year, the KRG’s campaign to register firearms concluded, with the final deadline for gun owners to comply set for July 21.

Hemin Mirany, chief of staff to the interior ministry, stressed the importance of this campaign, urging citizens to prioritize dialogue and law over violence. “It is necessary for citizens to regard this campaign as a positive measure to protect their own safety. Gun owners need to register their arms, and not use them to resolve social problems,” he said.

As the election campaign approaches its start on September 20, the Erbil Asayish’s message is clear: there will be no tolerance for the distribution of firearms, and violators will face the full extent of the law.