ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region’s President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani released separate statements on Friday congratulating Kurdish journalists and stressing the need for free media and responsible journalism, on the 124th anniversary of the publication of the first Kurdish newspaper.
Friday marks the anniversary of the publication of the first edition of "Kurdistan," the first Kurdish-language newspaper in history. Issued in Cairo, Egypt by renowned literary figure Miqdad Medhat Baderkhan in 1898, the issue was written in the Kurmanji dialect. A total of 31 issues of the newspaper were published in the span of four years.
The Kurdistan Region’s president paid tribute to all those who have contributed to the Region’s journalism mission over the years, specifically remembering those who have “sacrificed their lives in pursuit of truth and a free press in the country.”
President Barzani reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the values of democracy and freedom of expression, while also highlighting the importance of ethical and responsible journalism.
“On this occasion, we reaffirm our unyielding commitment to supporting democracy, liberties, free media and freedom of expression, human rights and the rule of law. These values are the cornerstones of any free and advanced society, for which the people of Kurdistan have fought and made sacrifices,” the president said.
In a separate statement, the Kurdistan Region’s prime minister lauded the role of journalism in the community, stating that the media had an “important and sacred message,” and emphasizing the need for responsible and accurate journalism.
“The Kurdistan Region needs professional and responsible journalism that participates effectively and positively in the process of political, economic, social and cultural change for the Kurdistan community... in a responsible manner that serves the community and its highest national goals,” PM Barzani’s statement read.
The PM added that he believed the Region has provided a healthy environment for journalists to conduct their work and express their messages freely, imploring journalists not to be intimidated by any parties or individuals, and to always put the needs of the Region above everything else.
The Kurdistan Region's parliament designated April 22 as the official day for Kurdish journalism in April 2021, 123 years after the publication of the first issue of Medhat’s newspaper.
Freedom of the press in the Kurdistan Region has been critically questioned by local and international media watchdogs, following rights violations including the imprisonment of journalists known for their anti-establishment writing, under charges including “endangering the national security of the Kurdistan Region.”
In 2021, Reporters without Borders (RSF) slammed Iraq and the Kurdistan Region for a lack of press freedom and the growing dangers faced by journalists.
In its annual World Press Freedom report, RSF said there are “no limits to the persecution of journalists" who criticize ruling families in the Kurdistan Region.
"They are jailed on charges of spying or endangering state security on the basis of confessions extracted under torture or by means of threats.”
