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August 20, 2025 – Iraq/Kurdistan –
Investigative journalist Sherwan Sherwani, formerly editor of Bashur magazine and known for reporting on corruption in Iraqi Kurdistan, received yet another prison sentence—four years and five months just weeks before his scheduled release. This ruling came on August 19, 2025, at an Erbil court, effectively delaying his release from prison in September 2025, according to his lawyer, Mohamed Abdallah.
Sherwani’s legal troubles trace back to his October 2020 arrest, when he was charged with “espionage” and “incitement to protest and destabilize the region.” In February 2021, he received a six-year prison sentence, which was later reduced via presidential decree. Subsequently, in July 2023, he was handed another four-year term for allegedly falsifying a signature on a petition—an action rights groups deemed politically motivated.
The latest sentence is based on accusations that Sherwani threatened a prison officer and his family while in detention—charges he denies. His lawyer insists the verdict relied solely on testimony from the officer and two guards, with no other evidentiary support. They plan to appeal, labeling the prosecution politically driven.
International organizations have responded forcefully. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the new sentence, stating, “Sentencing Sherwani for a third time on dubious charges… shows the authorities’ determination to silence his critical voice.” They called for his immediate release. Likewise, Amnesty International criticized the ruling as part of a “revolving door practice” by which Kurdish authorities prolong the detention of critics through new, spurious charges. Amnesty highlighted serious due process violations, including limited lawyer access to evidence and trial irregularities.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes at the courtroom: Sherwani’s supporters were assaulted by men in civilian clothing using rifle butts, resulting in injuries. Security forces dispersed attendees and forcibly removed Sherwani, who was shackled and reported injuries from the handling.
Sherwani’s case exemplifies a continued pattern of suppression of dissenting voices and journalists in Iraqi Kurdistan, a region often lauded for stability yet repeatedly criticized for press repression.
Reference –
https://www.newarab.com/news/iraqi-kurdistan-gives-jailed-journalist-more-prison-time-lawyer
Over 4 years added to sentence of imprisoned Kurdish journalist Sherwan Sherwani
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