"Kurds and the Kurdistan Democratic Party have nothing to do with this sort of improper behavior,” Barzani said.
"The people of Kurdistan have great respect and appreciation for the Marjat (Shia authority) and the historical relationship, friendship and sympathy between Mustafa Barzani (former KDP leader) with the Ayatollah Hakim (Sayyid Muhammad Saeed) and the martyr Sadr (Muhammad Sadiq al-Sadr) are testimonies to this old relationship and friendship,” Barzani said.
The KDP leader said the individual responsible for the defamatory speech has been arrested and will face the consequences according to the law.
Barzani also condemned the destruction of the KDP office in Baghdad, saying last night’s incident was the second time a group bent on violence had committed such an act. He stated this was proof of instability, lawlessness and a lack of security, adding such groups can only cause chaos.
A tweet considered insulting to Sistani, which came from a Twitter user going by the name Nayif Kurdistani, caused a firestorm of protest on Sunday night, leading to a mob torching the KDP branch office in the Iraqi capital.
Kurdistani, a former KDP candidate, insisted his account was hacked and that he was not responsible for the message.
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