Press Freedom Day: Deputy PM Pays Tribute to Guardians of Truth

Azhi Omar

KRG Deputy PM Qubad Talabani.

On World Press Day, Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, reaffirmed that freedom of the press and freedom of expression must be upheld as inviolable principles within the society.

Deputy PM Talabani said in a statement on his official Facebook page: "Freedom of the press and freedom of expression must be upheld as inviolable principles within our society. We should continually advocate for and emphasise these rights at every opportunity, and foster them as a strong tradition in the minds and hearts of our society, so that we can ensure that no authority, individual, or group dares to infringe upon these fundamental freedoms."

He added: "On World Press Freedom Day, we honour the Guardians of Truth-the courageous journalists and writers who have given their lives in pursuit of honest reporting. We hope that no more names will be added to the Guardians of Truth Monument in Azadi Park."

*The Guardians of Truth monument, located in Sulaymaniyah’s Azadi Park, honours the 551 journalists who lost their lives across all 19 provinces of Iraq in the pursuit of truth over the past two decades. Unveiled in September 2024, the monument stands as a powerful tribute to the courage and sacrifice of both Iraqi and foreign journalists who perished while reporting, particularly during periods of conflict since 2003. Their names are inscribed on massive metal plates, serving as a permanent reminder of their dedication to freedom of expression and the essential role of journalism in Iraqi society.



PUKMEDIA