Amnesty International: KRG Must End Practice of Detaining Journalists

PUKMEDIA

Journalist Guhdar Zebari.

Amnesty International calls on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to end its practice of detaining journalists, activists & others who are critical of the government in an effort to silence dissent.

Amnesty International's call came after the Erbil Criminal Court extended the prison sentence of journalist and activist Guhdar Zebari for an additional six months. 

"Yesterday, the Erbil Criminal Court in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq sentenced journalist Guhdar Zebari to an additional 6 months in prison on spurious charges. He has spent nearly 3 years behind bars following a grossly unfair trial," Amnesty International said on X.

"According to Zebari's lawyers, representatives of several consulates and organizations were not allowed to attend the hearing on Sunday. Based on his new sentence, Zebari is expected to be released on 16 February 2024," it added.

"The Kurdistan Regional Government must end its practice of detaining journalists, activists & others who are critical of the government in an effort to silence dissent," it continued. "We call on KRG Coordinator to release Guhdar Zebari NOW!" 

Click here to read more on Zebari's case



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