SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The freedom of expression has been completely restricted in the Kurdistan Region, an official on Tuesday said, warning of the situation of journalism.
“The journalism career in the Kurdistan Region has stepped into a dangerous stage and the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression have been completely restricted,” Bzhar Hakim, an official in the Journalists Syndicate said.
“The violations are increasing day after a day,” he added.
Hakim’s words coincided with the “concerns” that the U.S. Consul General had expressed on backsliding human rights as well as the freedom of expression in the Kurdistan Region.
“If we want to be a real partner of the Kurdistan Region we must say the truth,” said U.S. Consul General Irvin Hicks JR recently amid a televised program.
“The U.S. believes that journalists must be able to be allowed and deliver the news without fear, intimidation, harassment, and vengeance, he added. “In some parts of Kurdistan, we see an irritating backslide in rights of components and we are concerned.”
In January, 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 watchdog’s report revealed that the situation of freedom of expression needs swift actions by the executive and legislative institutions in the Kurdistan Region.
Moreover, the watchdog in the report stated that they have recorded more than 250 violations against the freedom of expression during the last year.
