Journalist Sherwan Sherwani Detained in Iraqi Kurdistan International Calls for Release

September 24, 2025 – Iraq/Kurdistan – 

Journalist Sherwan Sherwani, known for his investigative reporting in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, was arrested on charges of undermining public order, local media reports say. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) must immediately free him, human rights organizations and press‐freedom advocates assert.

According to Menarights, Sherwani was detained following his coverage of political and security affairs. His arrest comes amid a climate of increasing pressure on critical voices in the region. Sherwani’s work has often examined official conduct, and his detention is viewed by many observers as retaliation for his journalism.

In a joint statement, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and partner organizations urged the KRG to reverse Sherwani’s detention, drop all related charges, and allow him to resume his work without interference. CPJ’s call emphasizes that the Kurdish authorities have a responsibility to uphold press freedom under both regional and international standards.

CPJ notes that Sherwani’s arrest is part of a broader trend of targeting journalists in Iraqi Kurdistan. As local media voices grow more critical, legal frameworks and law enforcement practices are increasingly used to suppress dissent. The organizations demand that Sherwani be released immediately and unconditionally, his rights be respected throughout any legal process, and protections be granted to all journalists operating in the KRG.

Menarights also underscores that Sherwani’s detention violates both freedom of expression and press protections under Iraqi law, the Kurdistan Region’s statutes, and international human rights agreements. They call for transparent investigations into his treatment in custody and pleas for Sherwani’s well-being and that of his family.

Sherwani’s case draws attention to the fragility of press freedom even in comparatively autonomous zones. When regional governments resort to coercive measures to silence scrutiny, the civic space shrinks and a vital public service is at risk. The response by CPJ and human rights groups frames this moment as a test of whether the KRG will defend its obligations to permit independent reporting—or retreat into repression.

Reference – 

https://menarights.org/en/articles/kurdistan-regional-government-iraq-must-immediately-release-journalist-sherwan-sherwani

CPJ, partners urge Iraqi Kurdistan to free journalist Sherwan Sherwani