Mohammed Karwan – Activist
The arrest of journalists in the Kurdistan Region has been a significant and sensitive issue in recent years, with numerous local and international reports highlighting these incidents. Many view this as a sign of increasing pressure on journalists and a crackdown on freedom of expression.
According to human rights organizations and international watchdogs, a large number of journalists in the region have either been arrested or forced to flee due to mounting pressure. In 2023 and 2024 alone, more than 15 individuals—primarily journalists—were arrested and sentenced without proper judicial oversight in Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok. Many of these journalists were imprisoned for reporting on issues such as corruption, financial crimes, oil smuggling, and salary theft.
In 2007, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) enacted Law No. 35 on Journalism, which officially recognized the rights of journalists and aimed to protect them from undue pressure. However, reports from both international and local organizations indicate that this law has not been fully enforced. Instead, journalists continue to face imprisonment and torture, often on fabricated or unjustified charges.
Tragically, in recent days, both activists and journalists, including Hawre Kurdi and Ziwar Gardi, were jailed. Additionally, security forces affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) reportedly kidnapped individuals over social media posts.