Two Journalists Arrested for Exposing Corruption

In yet another assault on press freedom, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) security forces have arrested Bashdar Bazyani and Dana Salih, two journalists from Media 21, in Sulaimani. Their crime? Investigating corruption.

Journalists in Kurdistan: Targets for Speaking the Truth

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) has become one of the dangerous places for journalists who dare to investigate government corruption and mismanagement.

Kurdfile Media reporter Harki contacted the relatives of one of the arrested journalists, who confirmed that Bashdar Baziani and Dana Salih were arrested purely for their journalism work.

“They were taken because they exposed corruption. This was not a crime, it was their duty as journalists.” Omer Saleh said.

Media 21, founded by Bashdar Baziani and a team of investigative journalists, is a licensed media outlet under the Kurdistan Journalists Union. It has built a reputation for fearlessly exposing government failures—something that has made its journalists frequent targets of arrests, harassment, and intimidation.

Journalism in Kurdistan: A Crime in the Eyes of the Authorities

These arrests are just the latest in an ongoing pattern of oppression in the Kurdistan Region.

Journalists in KRI are routinely arrested, beaten, and threatened for covering sensitive topics. From the murder of journalists like Kawa Garmyani to the imprisonment of activists, the PUK-led authorities have repeatedly silenced voices demanding accountability.

“Who Will Be Responsible If They Are Affected?”

Omar Salih, cousin of Dana Salih, pointed the finger directly at the authorities in Sulaimani’s Green Zone controlled by the PUK holding them fully responsible for the journalists’ safety.

Omar Salih, one of the former managers of Dakok Support Centre – Dakok for Rights and Freedom in the UK, is a dedicated advocate for culture and human rights in the country.

“We know what happens to journalists who speak out in Kurdistan. If anything happens to them, the authorities in the Green Zone must be held accountable.”

A Brutal Crackdown on the Press

The arrest of Bashdar Baziani and Dana Salih is part of a larger campaign to destroy independent journalism in Kurdistan. Instead of allowing transparency, the ruling elite use security forces as their private enforcers ensuring that no journalist dares to challenge their authority or reveal their crimes.

The world is watching as the Kurdistan Region of Iraq descends further into authoritarian rule. Will the KRI government release these journalists and respect press freedom—or will they continue to criminalize truth and silence dissent?