STUDENTS in Slemani, Iraqi Kurdistan, set fire to the headquarters of the local ruling party today over the long-term suspension of monthly study stipends.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party’s building was set alight after authorities threatened to open fire on peaceful protesters.

Thousands marched on Salim Street, Slemani’s main thoroughfare, to demand that the region reinstates a study allowance that was cut under austerity measures introduced in 2014.