Kurdish media outlets have reported several cases of violence against journalists in recent months. According to Rojname website, freelancer Amanj Warte received anonymous threats, while journalist Adnan Rashid was attacked in his own home. KJS also reported that some Kurdish media outlets have been denied access to official information about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Media freedom is under severe pressure in Iraq. Two journalists were shot dead in January this year. KJS has documented attempts to undermine media freedom alongside attacks on human rights, not just against journalists but also of the wider population.
“We condemn these irresponsible actions towards journalists. We consider them violations, irreconcilable with freedom and democracy.” the KJS said.
IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: “In times of a pandemic, journalists should not face restrictions on access to information. The public has a fundamental right to know and any attempt to obstruct journalists’ work violates this right and must be strictly condemned. We demand that the authorities of the Kurdistan region of Iraq and the Iraqi federal government guarantee freedom of the media and let our colleagues work without fear or threats.”