Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has issued a call for the immediate release of two investigative journalists, Bashdar Bazyani and Sherwan Sherwani, currently detained by authorities in Iraqi Kurdistan. RSF alleges that these detentions are grounded in baseless accusations designed to suppress critical journalism and limit press freedom.
Bashdar Bazyani, who founded the digital media outlet Media21, was apprehended by Kurdish security forces in Sulaymaniyah on February 28, merely ten days after the outlet commenced its operations. While three other journalists from the same outlet were initially detained alongside Bazyani, they were released on bail within 48 hours. The authorities shut down Media21’s office, citing operational license issues, and reportedly confiscated equipment while also warning staff against returning to the premises. Bazyani remains detained under Article 433 of the Iraqi Penal Code on allegations of “publishing false information” and “defamation.” RSF suggests the arrest could be linked to his investigative work on industrial pollution caused by a local cement factory, as well as an unpublished interview with a relative of a Kurdish government official (RSF).
Local organizations, including the Metro Center for Journalists’ Rights and Advocacy, have echoed concerns about Bazyani’s detention. They are advocating for transparency regarding his arrest and emphasize the critical need to protect journalists’ rights in the region (Voice of America).
Sherwan Sherwani, another noted investigative journalist and the founder of Bashur Magazine, has not been sheltered from repeated incarcerations. Initially imprisoned in 2020 on espionage charges with a six-year sentence — later reduced to three — Sherwani faced an additional four-year term upon completing the original sentence in 2023. This additional sentence was labeled as “cruel and vindictive” by RSF but was later revised to two years. This length remains unfulfilled due to administrative delays, keeping Sherwani incarcerated beyond his expected release date of March 9 (RSF).
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned these actions as direct attacks on press freedom. RSF and CPJ are jointly urging Kurdish authorities to cease the harassment of media professionals, asserting that these actions infringe upon journalists’ rights and obstruct public access to critical information. (CPJ).