On World Press Freedom Day, Journalist in Erbil Appeals to the Public: “Don’t Leave Me Alone”

Reports 01:01 PM - 2026-05-03

Journalist Sherwan Sherwani.

Today, 3 May 2026, marks World Press Freedom Day, observed globally to reaffirm commitment to press freedom and to highlight the essential role of independent media in safeguarding democratic societies and ensuring the public’s right to access information. This year’s theme, “Shaping a Peaceful Future”, underscores the importance of free media in promoting stability and informed decision-making across communities.

However, in parts of the Kurdistan Region, particularly in Erbil and Duhok, concerns remain over the state of press freedom and the treatment of journalists. Journalists and media workers continue to face detention, investigation, and legal action over social media activity, including posts, comments, likes, and digital expressions.

Journalist Sherwan Sherwani to Kurdistan People: Don't Leave Me Alone

Journalist Sherwan Sherwani, who has been imprisoned for several years on charges related to freedom of expression and journalistic activity, has reportedly been on hunger strike for more than 10 days. In a message addressed to the public, he said: “Your silence is a dagger to my soul. Do not leave me alone.”

In a message, Sherwani called for public support, stating: “I continue my strike and I need people’s support, even if it is only a social media post. As Kurds say, one candle for darkness is a lot. During my arrest and investigation, I was questioned over likes, comments, posts and emojis.”

He further added: “By all religious and philosophical criteria, struggle requires struggle, and we must continue to struggle. Your silence does not serve anyone; it is a dagger to my soul. You are outside and I am in prison. You have the ability to speak out, and therefore you ow it to me, so speak up.”

He stressed that he is not demanding personal freedom, but rather seeking to “revive the free voice”, adding: “I have not compromised on the dignity of society or the free voice.”

Sherwani is an independent journalist from the Badinan region who has been imprison since 7 October 2020. He was convicted by the Erbil Criminal Court on 16 February 2021 on charges of undermining the national security of the Kurdistan Region. He was sentenced to six years in prison alongside four other freelance journalists and civil activists, as part of a wider group of more than 80 detainees from the Badinan area in Duhok Governorate.

Subsequently, on 20 July 2023, an Erbil court issued an additional sentence of four years’ imprisonment on charges of “fraud”, which was later reduced to two years following an appeal.

Sherwani has announced a hunger strike in late April after prison authorities rejected his requests for temporary leave to return home and for a transfer to the Sulaymaniyah Correctional Institution.

Press Freedom is More in Sulaymaniyah

Local and international reports indicate that press freedom is comparatively stronger in Sulaymaniyah Governorate and Halabja Governorate, where journalists are generally able to carry out their work with greater freedom.

Regarding the matter, Asos Ali, lawmaker of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in the Iraqi parliament, told PUKMEDIA that international and local reports indicate that the space for the freedom of the press and journalistic work is more in Sulaymaniyah compared to the other provinces of the Kurdistan Region, noting that this environment has enabled journalists to express diverse viewpoints under the administration of the PUK.

He further stated that Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani has played a significant role in supporting press freedom across Sulaymaniyah, Halabja, Garmian and Raparin, contributing to what he described as a more open environment for journalists. 

He added that Talabani has consistently positioned himself as a supporter of journalists and defenders of freedom of expression.

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

The official theme for World Press Freedom Day 2026 is “Shaping a Future at Peace”. This theme highlights the crucial role of independent journalism in promoting peace, human rights, and democracy amidst rising global conflicts and the steepest decline in press freedom since 2012.



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