Press Freedoms 'Under Threat' in Kurdistan Region, Warns Reporters for Rights and Development

Peregraf

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Erbil-based Reporters Organization for Rights and Development (RORD) issued a stark warning about the deteriorating state of journalism and press freedom in the Kurdistan Region, declaring that the sector has entered a "dangerous stage."

In a strongly worded statement released today, RORD said that freedom of expression and journalism has been "completely restricted," citing numerous violations in the first four months of 2025. The organization reported attacks on 14 media outlets and abuses against 31 journalists.

"Journalism in the Kurdistan Region has entered a dangerous stage. Freedom of expression and journalism have been completely restricted," the statement read. RORD, which defends the rights of journalists and media workers, highlighted that many of the victims were legitimate journalists and that the number of violations continues to grow.

The group criticized the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for failing to uphold existing legal protections, citing violations of the Access to Information Law No. 11 of 2011 and the lack of implementation of the Journalism Law No. 35 of 2007.

Particular concern was raised over the Soran Autonomous Administration, where journalists reportedly face serious obstacles in accessing information. "Journalists are not allowed to work freely or obtain information in Soran. This constitutes a direct restriction of freedom of expression," the organization noted.

RORD further accused not only official institutions but also what it described as a "deep government"—a powerful force behind the KRG—that operates outside the legal framework and undermines journalists’ rights. The statement also pointed to the lack of judicial independence as a major barrier to justice and accountability.

"The judiciary is not fully independent. Journalists in the Kurdistan Region are in a situation no one desires. The solution requires a long-term civil struggle," the statement emphasized.

Key Violations Reported (Jan–Apr 2025):

14 media outlets targeted
31 journalists subjected to violations
9 journalists hospitalized due to tear gas
1 raid on a media outlet
4 media teams blocked from returning to Erbil at Digala checkpoint
6 journalists arrested
11 instances where media coverage was obstructed

RORD attributed the majority of these violations to the Kurdistan Region’s security forces, followed by the KRG’s Media and Information Office and various government departments, particularly for withholding information from certain media outlets.

The organization concluded its report by calling for urgent reforms to protect journalists, uphold the rule of law, and restore press freedoms in the Kurdistan Region.