Journalist Sherwan Sherwani Sentenced to Over Four Years in Prison Amid Tense Court Session

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Journalist Sherwan Sherwani

Erbil's Binaslawa Court sentenced journalist Sherwan Sherwani to an additional four years and five months in prison on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, in a case filed by a military official who accused him of issuing threats against him and his family.

Following the ruling, tensions flared inside the courtroom. According to reports, a heavy security force was deployed, and heated arguments broke out during the proceedings.

At a press conference, Mohammed Abdullah, one of Sherwani’s lawyers, criticised the verdict, stating:
"The police should be entrusted with the security of prisons, but the responsibility has been given to the Zeravani forces. We have also received information that another complaint may soon be filed against Sherwan Sherwani."

Sherwan Sherwani was initially arrested on 7 October 2020, along with several journalists and activists in the Badinan area. On 16 February 2021, the Erbil Criminal Court sentenced Sherwani, along with Ayaz Karam, Guhdar Mohammed Amin, Hariwan Isa, and Shvan Saeedi, to six years in prison each on charges of “disrupting national security.”



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