The recent arrest of Qaydar Hussein, a young activist from the city of Akre, marks a deeply concerning development in the ongoing erosion of freedom of expression within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Hussein’s purported offense was the publication of a short video on Facebook in which he criticized the poor quality of a road reconstruction project—an act of civic engagement that, in a democratic society, should be safeguarded rather than criminalized.
In the video, Hussein raised a reasonable and public-interest question: how could a newly rebuilt road be so poorly constructed that it would likely not endure for even a year? Instead of a transparent response from relevant authorities, he was reportedly detained by security forces affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). Since his arrest, there has been no official information regarding his condition or whereabouts, raising serious concerns about his safety and legal rights.
This incident occurred on a highly symbolic date—the anniversary of the assassination of Sardasht Osman, a journalist killed for his outspoken criticism of the ruling establishment. Notably, just one day prior to his arrest, Hussein had shared a video condemning the injustice surrounding Osman’s murder. It is widely believed that this act further provoked the ire of the authorities, accelerating his detention.
Islam Zebari, a local activist and political figure in Akre, confirmed that Hussein was specifically targeted for his criticism of the town’s governor. This case underscores a disturbing reality already known to many in the region: the space for dissent, civic engagement, and press freedom is shrinking at an alarming rate. Individuals who voice criticism of government officials or challenge official narratives are increasingly met not with dialogue, but with threats, coercion, and imprisonment.
The broader pattern is unmistakable—acts of dissent are being criminalized, and criticism of the authorities is increasingly equated with disloyalty. Such a trajectory poses a grave threat to democratic development, transparency, and the rule of law in the Kurdistan Region.
As the Dakok Support Center, we unequivocally condemn the arrest and silencing of Qaydar Hussein. We call for his immediate and unconditional release and urge the Kurdistan Regional Government to uphold its commitments to human rights and democratic values. Silencing voices of conscience not only undermines public trust but further isolates governing institutions from the communities they are meant to serve.
If the Kurdistan Region aspires to build a just, democratic society, it must abandon the practice of persecuting critics and instead foster an environment where constructive dissent is respected and encouraged.