Amnesty International Exposes Assault on Press Freedom in Iraqi Kurdistan

Amnesty International has released a damning report detailing a sustained assault on press freedom in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The report highlights a disturbing pattern of arbitrary detentions, beatings, and sham trials targeting journalists who dare to speak truth to power.

According to the report, the year 2023 saw a staggering 37 arrests and 27 incidents of attacks on journalists in the region. The situation has not improved in 2024, with 10 detentions of journalists recorded in the first quarter alone. These figures paint a grim portrait of the state of press freedom in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Why this matters: The erosion of press freedom in Iraqi Kurdistan has far-reaching implications for the region's democratic stability and the ability of citizens to access accurate information. If left unchecked, this assault on press freedom could embolden authoritarian tendencies and undermine the rule of law in the region.

One particularly egregious case highlighted in the report is that of Suleiman Ahmed, an editor at Roj News Agency. Ahmed was kidnapped by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on October 1, 2023, while returning from Syria at the Faysh Khabur crossing. He has been continue, day detained for 191 days, with his lawyer, Nariman Ahmed Rashid, being prevented from meeting with him by the Dohuk Asayish.

Rashid has confirmed that the charges against Ahmed are false and baseless, as he officially entered Rojava and has official residency in southern Kurdistan. Multiple organizations and individuals have demanded Ahmed's immediate release, including the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, the Free Media Union in North and East Syria, and 212 journalists, writers, and personalities from various media organizations.

Roj News Agency has strongly condemned Ahmed's kidnapping, stating, "The behavior of the Kurdistan Democratic Party is a dangerous indicator and political revenge... it and the regional authorities bear responsibility for his safety." The editor-in-chief of the Press Without Borders website, Joy Haddad, has also spoken out, holding the authorities of southern Kurdistan responsible for any harm that could happen to Ahmed. Haddad emphasized that "The kidnapping of our colleague Suleiman Ahmed is a blatant violation of freedom of press. So we call on the Kurdistan authorities to respect the laws and conventions that preserve the rights of journalists."

The assault on press freedom in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is part of a broader crackdown on dissent and freedom of expression. Journalists who report on sensitive topics or criticize those in power face grave risks, including arbitrary arrest, physical violence, and unfair trials. This climate of fear and intimidation has a chilling effect on the media environment, as journalists are forced to self-censor or risk their lives and livelihoods.

The case of Suleiman Ahmed serves as a poignant illustration of the dangers faced by journalists in the region. His immediate and unconditional release must be a top priority, and those responsible for his kidnapping and detention must be held accountable. The Kurdish authorities must demonstrate their commitment to press freedom by ensuring the safety of journalists, investigating attacks on the media, and bringing perpetrators to justice.

Key Takeaways

• Amnesty International reports a sustained assault on press freedom in Iraqi Kurdistan.
• 37 arrests and 27 attacks on journalists occurred in 2023, with 10 detentions in Q1 2024.
• Suleiman Ahmed, a journalist, has been detained for 191 days without trial.
• Journalists face arbitrary arrest, violence, and unfair trials for reporting on sensitive topics.
• The Kurdish authorities must ensure journalist safety and hold perpetrators accountable.