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February 02, 2025 – Iraq –
In a troubling development for press freedom in Iraqi Kurdistan, photojournalist Qaraman Shukri was sentenced to seven years in prison following a secret trial. The verdict, delivered without public transparency, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights and press freedom organizations.
Shukri, known for his courageous reporting and documentation of political and social issues in the region, was arrested in late 2020 under unclear charges. Authorities have not publicly disclosed detailed evidence or the grounds for his prosecution, raising serious concerns about the fairness of the legal process. His trial was conducted behind closed doors, with limited access to legal representation and without media coverage.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Amnesty International have denounced the sentence, highlighting it as part of a broader crackdown on independent media and dissenting voices in the Kurdish region. These organizations stress that Shukri’s imprisonment undermines fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial.
Amnesty International’s recent report outlines the deteriorating environment for journalists in Iraqi Kurdistan, where authorities increasingly use arbitrary detention, harassment, and censorship to silence critical reporting. The case of Qaraman Shukri exemplifies the risks faced by media workers who strive to report on sensitive or controversial matters in the region.
Local and international advocates continue to call for Shukri’s immediate release and for authorities to uphold judicial transparency. They emphasize the necessity of safeguarding independent journalism as a cornerstone of democracy and accountability in Iraqi Kurdistan.
The sentencing of Qaraman Shukri sends a chilling message to journalists across the region, underscoring the urgent need for reform to protect press freedom and human rights in a landscape where repression remains prevalent.
Reference –
Iraqi Kurdish court sentences photojournalist Qaraman Shukri to 7 years in prison in secret trial
