The Silencing of Jin TV: A Blow to Freedom of Press in Kurdistan
On December 31, the final day of the year, the Iraqi central government, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the Kurdistan Regional Security Agency in Sulaimani made an alarming and unilateral decision. Without issuing any official letters or notices, they suspended the production of television programs by Limited, a media company responsible for creating content for Jin TV.
This decision comes at a critical moment when the women’s movement in all four parts of Kurdistan has reached unprecedented heights, capturing global attention for its transformative leadership. However, this suspension—clearly aligning with the interests of oppressive authorities and foreign invaders—represents a direct attack on the free press and an attempt to undermine the identity, will, and existence of Kurdish women.
A Violation of Press Freedom and Women’s Rights
The suspension of Limited, a production company affiliated with Jin TV, is not just an administrative action. It is a calculated assault on the sacrifices and achievements of Kurdish women. This decision, influenced by forces hostile to Kurdish autonomy, blatantly disregards the principles of freedom of the press enshrined in the Kurdistan Region’s legal framework.
The Statement from Gazangi Barbayan Company
Gazangi Barbayan Company, which has proudly operated in South Kurdistan for seven years as a vibrant platform amplifying women’s voices, has strongly condemned this action. In their statement, they declared:
“This decision is contrary to all the sacrifices of women in South Kurdistan. We do not accept this and will pursue legal action until justice is served.”
The company’s unwavering commitment underscores the broader struggle for press freedom and women’s empowerment in the region.
Kurdfile’s Protest Against the Action
As an independent media platform committed to truth and justice, Kurdfile unequivocally stands against this unjust decision. We condemn the suspension of Jin TV’s program production as an attack on freedom of the press and the broader struggle for gender equality. Kurdfile has long championed the sacrifices and leadership of Kurdish women, and we view this action as a betrayal of the principles that underpin the Kurdish cause.
Kurdfile pledges to use its platform to amplify the voices of those affected by this decision and to expose the injustices perpetrated against independent media. We urge all stakeholders, both local and international, to join in protesting this alarming move and to demand the restoration of Jin TV’s production rights.
The Broader Implications
The suspension of Jin TV’s production is emblematic of a growing trend of authoritarianism aimed at silencing voices that challenge the status quo. It seeks to erase the narrative of resistance and resilience championed by Kurdish women, whose leadership has become a beacon of hope and inspiration worldwide.
A Call to Action
This act of censorship demands a unified response from all advocates of freedom, equality, and justice. The Kurdish people, civil society organizations, and international human rights groups must rally behind Gazangi Barbayan Company in their fight for accountability and press freedom.
On this New Year’s Eve, as the world celebrates hope and renewal, the unjust silencing of Jin TV serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing struggle for liberty in Kurdistan. Let this act of repression not go unnoticed—but rather fuel the collective resolve to protect the gains of the women’s movement and ensure their voices continue to echo across the globe.
December 31, Gazangi Barbayan Company