Today marks the ninth anniversary of the assassination of journalist Wadat Hussein, who was murdered by operatives and assassins affiliated with the Barzani family networks.
Wadat Hussein was a distinguished and committed journalist who dedicated his career to investigative reporting and holding public officials accountable. His professional endeavors focused on exposing corruption and lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding the misconduct of partisan leaders within the ruling establishment. It was precisely this commitment to journalistic integrity and transparency that ultimately led to his assassination by elements connected to the Barzani family.
Both the Barzani and Talabani family networks have been implicated in the systematic assassination of numerous journalists and activists throughout the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Among the most prominent victims of this campaign of terror are:
– Sardasht Osman
– Kawa Garmiani
– Soran Mama Hama
– Wadat Hussein
And numerous other media professionals and civil society activists.
In addition to these targeted killings, a significant number of activists and critics have been subjected to arbitrary detention and imprisonment for exercising their fundamental right to criticize the failed policies of the Kurdish governing authorities.
The systematic suppression and punishment of free expression has become a defining characteristic of the governance model employed by both the Barzani and Talabani family networks, representing a persistent and deeply entrenched pattern of authoritarian control.
As the DAKOK Organization, we hereby affirm our unwavering commitment to never remain silent in the face of the oppression and systematic persecution directed against journalists and civil society activists in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Our organization maintains its steadfast dedication to advocating for the protection of media freedom, the rule of law, and the fundamental human rights of all citizens, particularly those who courageously speak truth to power.
We call upon the international community, human rights organizations, and press freedom advocates to recognize and address the ongoing crisis of media suppression and targeted violence against journalists in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
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