Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate Issues Media Guidelines Amid Regional Escalation

PUKMEDIA

Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate logo.

The Sulaymaniyah Branch of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate has issued a new set of media guidelines following the resumption of the third round of the Iran–US conflict, calling on journalists, media organisations and social media users to act responsibly during the current security situation.

In a statement released on late Friday night, the syndicate expressed hope for the safety of all citizens while stressing the need for responsible reporting amid heightened regional tensions.

The guidelines emphasise that media coverage should be consistent with the national interest and should not be used as a platform for activities that could threaten national security or the stability of  Sulaymaniyah.

The syndicate urged journalists to rely solely on official sources or authorised spokespersons from security institutions, warning against the publication of rumours, misinformation and unverified reports.

It also advised media outlets not to report from sites of bombardments or explosions until the relevant authorities have completed their inspections. The statement noted that the rapid publication of photographs or videos showing security locations could provide intelligence to the parties involved in the conflict.

In addition, the syndicate instructed media organisations not to conduct interviews, gather crowds or contribute to public congestion at strike locations, stressing that protecting the lives of civilians must remain the highest priority.

The guidelines further warned against disclosing the precise geographical locations of incidents or publishing military and security-related information, stating that such actions could undermine social stability and breach legal responsibilities.

The statement added that any location where a drone or missile crashes should be regarded as a combat zone, and that live broadcasting from such sites is strictly prohibited.

Concluding the statement, the Sulaymaniyah Branch of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate called on everyone to act responsibly in order to safeguard the city, protect civilian lives, and preserve the social and political security of the Kurdistan Region.


PUKMEDIA