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.

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.