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February 01, 2025 – Kurdistan –
A series of journalist arrests in Iraqi Kurdistan and northeastern Syria has drawn strong condemnation from international media watchdogs, highlighting ongoing threats to press freedom in the region.
In Iraqi Kurdistan’s Sulaymaniyah province, journalist Bashdar Baziani was detained along with three colleagues in February 2025 while covering the launch of the Media21 digital outlet. Although his colleagues were released shortly after on bail, Baziani remains imprisoned without formal charges. Organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have condemned his detention as arbitrary, calling it an attempt to silence independent reporting. Authorities reportedly accused Media21 of operating without proper licensing, but critics argue the crackdown reflects broader efforts to suppress dissent.
Another troubling case involves journalist Omed Baroshky, who was sentenced to six months in prison by an Iraqi Kurdistan court on January 31, 2025. Baroshky was charged with defamation after publishing a Facebook post alleging the kidnapping of a public figure. CPJ criticized the verdict, stating that using vague defamation laws to imprison journalists undermines free speech and stifles investigative reporting. Baroshky had previously faced imprisonment for his coverage of anti-government protests in 2020, underscoring the persistent risks faced by Kurdish journalists who report critically on authorities.
Meanwhile, in Kurdish-controlled northeastern Syria, Rudaw TV correspondent Barzan Ferman was detained by local security forces in August 2022. Ferman’s arrest came after Kurdish authorities suspended Rudaw’s license, accusing the network of incitement and misinformation. Neither charges nor his whereabouts were disclosed for weeks, prompting CPJ to demand his immediate release and call for the reinstatement of Rudaw’s broadcasting rights.
These incidents reflect a disturbing pattern where Kurdish authorities in both Iraq and Syria use defamation charges, licensing disputes, and vague security concerns to detain journalists and restrict independent media. Global watchdogs continue to urge the Kurdish authorities to release detained journalists, respect legal due process, and uphold fundamental press freedoms as enshrined in international law.
References –
https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/310120251
