Kurdistan
Islam Kashashi [third from right] with his family in Duhok after being released on August 26, 2023. Photo: submitted
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Duhok's security forces (Asayish) released journalist Islam Kashani on bail early Saturday days after detaining him for alleged ties with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Kashani, head of the Islamic Speda TV’s office in Duhok, was arrested on Thursday. Local and international rights groups strongly criticised the local authorities for the action.
Mohammed Sadiq, head of Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate's Duhok branch, told Rudaw that Kashani was released on bail in the early hours of Saturday.
The Syndicate, local rights groups and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the arrest, calling for his immediate release.
Zakho security forces (Asayish) accused Kashani of having ties with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). “We do not allow any forces, groups or parties to pose a threat to the stability and security of the Kurdistan Region," the force said.
Asayish said the arrest was carried out with a warrant issued by a judge and denied committing any violations against the journalist.
Kashasi is also a member of the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU).
Aso Hamid, the head of KIU’s media, told Rudaw on Friday that Kashashi is one of their “loyal” members and denied that he has links with the PKK.
Kashani, head of the Islamic Speda TV’s office in Duhok, was arrested on Thursday. Local and international rights groups strongly criticised the local authorities for the action.
Mohammed Sadiq, head of Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate's Duhok branch, told Rudaw that Kashani was released on bail in the early hours of Saturday.
The Syndicate, local rights groups and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the arrest, calling for his immediate release.
Zakho security forces (Asayish) accused Kashani of having ties with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). “We do not allow any forces, groups or parties to pose a threat to the stability and security of the Kurdistan Region," the force said.
Asayish said the arrest was carried out with a warrant issued by a judge and denied committing any violations against the journalist.
Kashasi is also a member of the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU).
Aso Hamid, the head of KIU’s media, told Rudaw on Friday that Kashashi is one of their “loyal” members and denied that he has links with the PKK.
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