SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Co-leader Bafel Talabani on Thursday congratulated journalists on the anniversary of Kurdish Journalism, saying journalistic works should not be restricted under the name of national values.
On Wednesday, the Kurdistan Parliament voted unanimously to mark April 22 the Kurdish Journalism Day.
April 22 marks the 123rd anniversary of the publication of the first Kurdish newspaper, titled ‘Kurdistan’, first printed by renowned literary figure Miqdad Madhat Baderkhan in Cairo in 1898.
“Journalism is a supreme profession. Under the name of law, boundaries of work must not be restricted and freedoms must not be circumscribed. Under the name of the national values, journalistic work should not be restricted,” the PUK co-leader said in a statement.
“Journalists should be brave and courage to show truths and transmit information. They should monitor legislative, judicial and executive powers and play an effective role in progressing the process of democracy and in confronting corruption,” he added.
Talabani further said the PUK always supported journalists and played an important role in expanding freedom of expression.
“It is the duty of journalists to deal with the issues and incidents professionally and responsibly,” he stated. “They should not mix personal and political hatred with journalism, and they should hold an honest and courage pen.”
