Iraq: Activists plan to protest outside Parliament Office in Kirkuk Sept. 16

Activists plan to demonstrate outside the Parliament Office in Kirkuk from 12:00 Sept. 16 against proposed changes to the country's Personal Status Law. As part of the amendments, matters relating to family law, including marriages, would be referred to Shariah courts, where clerics will decide based on their interpretation of religious law. Protesters claim that the legislation will harm the status of women and lead to more child marriages, particularly among the Shi'a Muslim community. Hundreds of individuals could attend the demonstration.

Increased security and localized transport disruptions are likely in the affected area. Clashes between police and protesters are possible, particularly if demonstrators are overly disruptive or ignore police orders to disperse.