A NUMBER of student protesters jailed in Iraqi Kurdistan are to be released on bail after widespread revulsion of video confessions showing them wearing Guantanamo-style orange prisoner jumpsuits.

A Slemani Asayish (internal security) spokesman confirmed that a number who were held in Piramagrun were to be freed until they stand trial at a later date.

The protesters were accused by the authorities of setting fire to a public library during student demonstrations in November which demanded reinstatement of the monthly stipend.

Their confessions were published earlier this week and shown during a court hearing, but sparked an angry reaction.

Lawyer Osman Sadiqi said: “These clothes are for terrorists or those who commit human trafficking,” he said, adding it was “disrespectful” to show the video to the court.

The Morning Star reported from the ground during the protests, with students saying that they had ben beaten and tortured by security forces.

One student described a lack of freedom and said that Iraqi Kurdistan was “like a prison.”

Anger was directed at the ruling Barzani family who were accused of running the country as a corrupt dictatorship.