Accessibility links

Breaking News

CPJ Prompts Iraq's Kurdistan On Journalism Safety


Protesters demonstrate in the Iraqi Kurdish city of Sulaymaniyah against the assassination of Kawa Garmyane, who was shot dead in December 2013 after reporting on corruption among regional leaders.
Protesters demonstrate in the Iraqi Kurdish city of Sulaymaniyah against the assassination of Kawa Garmyane, who was shot dead in December 2013 after reporting on corruption among regional leaders.
A new report by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says that journalists in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region often resort to self-censorship because of the region's "climate of impunity" regarding violence against journalists.

The report issued on April 22 said that Kurdistan journalists have "faced threats, harassment, beatings, detentions, arson, and murder" and that most attacks have gone unpunished.

It highlights the case of "Rayel" magazine editor Kawa Garmyane, who was shot dead in December 2013 after reporting on corruption among regional leaders.

A suspect in the case was arrested the following month but quickly released.

The CPJ called on the regional authorities to investigate unsolved attacks on journalists and punish those found responsible.

The NGO also called on the international community to do more to safeguard journalists and ensure freedom of the press.
  • 16x9 Image

    RFE/RL

    RFE/RL journalists report the news in 27 languages in 23 countries where a free press is banned by the government or not fully established. We provide what many people cannot get locally: uncensored news, responsible discussion, and open debate.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG