SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Duhok security forces briefly detain five journalists on Friday; a watchdog said once again the freedom of the press came under a question mark in Kurdistan.
A journalist team of the “Speda” TV channel had encountered detention by Duhok security forces.
The team consisted of two reporters and three photographers. They were held by the security forces for an hour and then freed.
“Speda” said the incident occurred amid the team’s coverage of a donation campaign in the city of Duhok for the victims of the massive earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria last Monday.
“Speda” said the team had been “raided” by the security forces.
Reporters’ organization for rights and development said on the incident that once again the situation of freedom of the press came under a question mark.
“No journalists are valid to face detention, according to journalism laws,” the watchdog said.
Late January this year, Erbil-based Peace and Freedom organization in a press conference released a report concerning the violation of freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
The report revealed that the situation of freedom of expression needs swift action by the executive and legislative institutions in the Kurdistan Region, expressing concerns.
Moreover, the report stated that they have recorded more than 250 violations against the freedom of expression during the last year.
