Iraqi-Kurdish Journalists Jailed

Journalists in Kurdistan face growing pressure from the government. (Enabling Peace)

Iraqi-Kurdish journalists Sherwan Sherwani and Guhdar Zebar face a six-year jail sentence as a result of their coverage of anti-government protests in the Duhok province. Three activists, Shvan Saeed, Ayaz Karam, and Hariwan Issa faced the same sentence. 

Although Erbil’s Second Court of First Instance labeled the journalists’ actions as “[endangering] the national security of the Kurdistan region,” this is likely a guise constructed for the continued repression of free press in the region. This conclusion is supported by a consensus of lawyers and human rights organizations who believe this case to be solely politically motivated and not reflective of any criminal intent. The sentencing took place on February 20, but the initial arrests occurred in October 2020. 

The harsh sentences, which the freedom of press group Committee to Protect Journalists have deemed “unfair and disproportionate,” have sparked outrage throughout Iraqi Kurdistan. They have been condemned by nearly every Kurdish political party, including the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Gorran Movement. 

The government demonstrated consistent abuse of power in their handling of these cases. Notably, Sherwani was forcefully arrested when dozens of men burst through his door, handcuffed him with no explanation in the presence of his young son, and obscured his location and status for more than 19 days. Sherwani was then forced to sign a confession that included accusations of crimes he did not commit; when he refused during interrogation, security threatened the safety of his family. 

This week’s sentencing comes at a time when freedom of the press in Kurdistan has reached an all-time low. According to Kurdish free press group Metro Center, there were at minimum 385 violations recorded against at least 291 journalists and news organizations.