182 violations against journalists in Iraqi Kurdistan in 2024: Metro

SULAIMANI,—A new report from the Metro Center for Journalists’ Rights shows a noticeable drop in press freedom violations in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region during 2024.

The annual report released during a press conference in Sulaimani city on January 18, 2025, showed a 22% reduction in the number of incidents compared to 2023.

However, while security officials attributed this decline to improved handling of media relations, some journalists remain cautious about the implications for press freedom in the region.

According to the Metro Center’s statistics, 182 violations were recorded in 2024, impacting 176 journalists and media organizations. This marked a decrease from 231 violations reported in 2023. The center’s report highlighted several types of violations, including physical assaults, harassment, and restrictions on journalistic activities. Despite the reduction in numbers, critics warn that the drop may not signal a genuine improvement in press freedom.

Aqid Salam Abdulkhaliq, the director of the Kurdistan Region’s security agency, expressed optimism about the decline in violations, attributing it to the efforts of local security forces. In a statement, he said, “The decrease in violations is a sign of progress. This reflects our commitment to creating a better environment for journalists. Our security forces have worked closely with media outlets and journalists to ensure press freedom is fully protected.”

Abdulkhaliq also noted that in 2024, security agencies organized multiple workshops and seminars for journalists to raise awareness and address concerns. Looking ahead to 2025, he added that a dedicated communication channel would be established to make it easier for journalists to report issues and seek assistance. “Our goal is to create a safe and professional environment for journalists, where press freedom is not only protected but promoted,” he said.

Despite these reassurances, not all media workers are convinced. Shwan Mohammed, a journalist, stressed that the decline in reported violations does not necessarily reflect a broader improvement in the media landscape. “It’s important to look beyond the numbers and consider the underlying challenges journalists face,” Mohammed said. “Kurdish authorities have a complicated relationship with the media, where legal protections often don’t align with the reality on the ground.”

The Metro Center’s report also highlighted serious concerns, including the deaths of three journalists in the region last year and 27 cases of harassment and assault. December 2024 saw the highest number of violations, with 40 reported incidents. Other violations included 103 cases of harassment, such as 24 instances of detention without a court order, 6 electronic attacks, and 17 incidents of confiscated journalistic materials. Journalists also reported 2 cases of equipment damage.

Women were disproportionately affected by these violations, making up 10% of the victims. While this figure represents a smaller proportion, it underscores ongoing gender-based challenges in the media sector.

In conclusion, the report calls for a deeper examination of the factors influencing the media environment in the Kurdistan Region. “Many journalists have been killed in the past years, and their cases remain unresolved,” said Shwan Mohammed. “Without justice for those who have been silenced, it’s hard to claim that conditions for journalists have truly improved.”

In December 2024, the Press Freedom Advocacy Association in Iraq released its annual report, identifying Erbil and Baghdad as two of the worst cities in Iraq for violations against journalists.

(With files from VOA)