15 Days in Solitary: Bashdar Bazyani’s Arrest Raises Alarming Questions

It has now been 15 days since Bashdar Bazyani, the founder of Media 21, was arrested by the Asayish forces of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Sulaimani. His newly launched media outlet, which had only been operating for two weeks, was shut down without explanation.

According to Kurdfile Media editor Harki connection with his family in the UK, Bashdar is being held in a single-bed prison cell, with no access to his family. His arrest was carried out without a warrant, raising serious concerns about due process and press freedom in the Kurdistan Region.

The Syndicate of Journalists, Sulaimani department2 has since stated that Bashdar is being prosecuted under Article 433 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which relates to the publication of false news. However, no clear evidence has been presented to justify his detention, further reinforcing fears that his arrest is politically motivated.

The case of Bashdar Bazyani adds to the growing list of journalists targeted for their reporting, reflecting the worsening crackdown on independent media in the region. With no official statements from the PUK authorities and concerns over his well-being in solitary confinement, his detention raises serious human rights questions.

The silence from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the PUK leadership, and press freedom organizations regarding this case further deepens fears of political interference in journalism. As Bashdar remains behind bars, the call for his immediate release and the reopening of Media 21 grows louder.