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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The trial of four Duhok activists and journalists detained on security charges began in Erbil on Monday, their lawyer told Rudaw, saying “no evidence” against them was presented in court.
The team of lawyers representing the detainees asked the court to not allow the Asayish [internal security forces] representative inside the courtroom, Bashdar Hassan said in a press briefing held after the trial.
“The Asayish can’t be the judge and the enemy,” he added, saying the request was dismissed.
Masoud Ali Haji, Sherwan Taha Amin, Karger Abbas Ali and Bandawar Ayub are accused of forming a group to support current Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and establishing a political party with Iraqi President Barham Salih to “undermine” the stability of the Kurdistan Region.
The trial was attended by a representative of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), diplomats and a number of members of parliament.
The four detainees were among several people arrested during anti-government Duhok protests last year. In February, five journalists and activists – Sherwan Sherwani, Shvan Saeed, Ayaz Karam, Hariwan Issa, and Guhdar Zebari – were put on trial for “endangering the national security of the Kurdistan Region.”
They were found guilty and sentenced to six years in jail, prompting outcry from media watchdogs and human rights groups, as well as diplomatic representatives in the Region.
Erbil’s appellate court upheld the original ruling last month. Several foreign missions have criticized the court's decision.
The trial of another five men held on security charges is expected to start on Monday.
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