CONCERNS were raised today about the health and well-being of a Kurdish woman who has been held in Iraqi Kurdistan for more than 30 days amid fears of Turkish involvement.

Khawla Hassan, Jiwana Abdel-Baqi and Siran Hassan were detained in Erbil province last month by forces belonging to the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which has strong ties with Ankara.

The women, members of the Kurdistan Free Women’s Organisation (RJAK) were returning from a ceremony commemorating the Yazidi genocide in Shengal when they were held.

Both Khawla Hassan and Siran Hassan were released on Tuesday, but Ms Abdel-Baqi remains in custody amid reports that her health has deteriorated.

No information has been released on her condition or whereabouts and she has been denied access to lawyers and family visits.

RJAK spokeswoman Zeinab Mohammad claimed that Turkey “is playing a role behind the scenes.”

There is “nothing left” of the regional government, Ms Mohammad said, insisting that in reality it is Ankara that runs Iraqi Kurdistan.

“The [KDP] regime is linked to Turkey which is behind the arrest of the female detainees.” she added.

“The regime seeks to silence women’s mouths, obstruct their struggle and subjugate society through women.”

Ms Mohammad called for the immediate release of Ms Abdel-Baqi.