SCORES of detainees who were taken into custody during an anti-war demonstration in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region have started a hunger strike in protest at their treatment, the Morning Star heard today.

At least 54 people, including eight women, were held during an  operation by security forces on Sunday evening against a protest called by the Tevgara Azadi organisation in the city of Slemani.

ANF journalist Rebaz Hessen, who was released on Tuesday following international pressure, said that those remaining behind bars included people with heart conditions and other medical complaints.