The Poor Condition of Journalism in the Kurdistan Region!

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Baran Ghafar Ahmed – Activist

Journalism is one of the important concepts in every society and country in the world, and efforts must always be made in every possible way to preserve the dignity of journalism and journalists.

Because journalism is one of the means used to achieve absolute freedom of expression for every individual. Unfortunately, however, the situation of journalism in the Kurdistan Region is currently in one of its worst conditions.

In recent years (2024–2025), journalism in the Kurdistan Region has faced a dangerous decline, to the extent that international organizations speak of the end of the Kurdistan Region’s “positive distinction” compared to Baghdad. Iraq overall, according to the 2026 Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, has dropped seven more places and now ranks 162nd out of 180 countries.

The reason for this poor state of freedom of expression and journalism undoubtedly goes back to the governance of the Kurdistan Regional Government by the PUK and KDP.

During the rule of these two parties, what has been done against journalists includes unclear accusations, psychological pressure, and unjust punishments for the sake of their own interests, such as the arrests of Sherwan Sherwani, Omed Baroshki, and many others whose sentences are still being extended for personal and political reasons.

This poor condition of journalism in the Kurdistan Region has made the working environment for journalists a frightening one, full of threats…