Kurdish journalist released after over a year in Iraqi Kurdistan jail

ERBIL,—A Kurdish journalist imprisoned for over a year on espionage charges has been released after Iraqi Kurdistan region’s Cassation Court dropped all charges against him, his lawyer confirmed Monday.

Slêman Mohammed Ahmed, a journalist with Rojnews, was arrested by security forces affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Duhok in October 2023.

He was accused of engaging in “illegal activities” linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group outlawed in Turkey and opposed by KDP leadership. In a controversial trial, Ahmed was sentenced to three years in prison.

On Monday, the court annulled the conviction, citing insufficient evidence and ordering Ahmed’s immediate release, according to Bashdar Hassan, the head of Ahmed’s legal team. Hassan said the five-member court panel unanimously decided to drop all charges against him.

Ahmed’s arrest and imprisonment sparked criticism from human rights advocates and media watchdogs. The Metro Center for Journalists Rights and Advocacy welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a rare victory for press freedom in a region often criticized for silencing dissenting voices.

In a statement, the group called on the judiciary to avoid becoming a tool for political pressure on journalists and supporters of free speech.

Ahmed was detained while returning to Iraqi Kurdistan from Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), where he had attended his father’s funeral. His employer, Rojnews, alleged at the time that Ahmed’s arrest was politically motivated, accusing Kurdistan authorities of targeting journalists linked to groups critical of the KDP and its close ties to Turkey.

The Barzani’s KDP, which controls Erbil and Duhok, has been criticized for collaborating with Turkey in its fight against the PKK. In contrast, the PUK maintains closer ties with PKK-aligned groups and oversees the Sulaimani region.

Ahmed’s legal team faced obstacles, only gaining access to him months after his arrest. Rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about due process in cases involving critics of the KDP.

Critics argue that the Barzani authorities routinely suppress dissent and curtail press freedoms in collaboration with foreign powers, including Turkey.

Ahmed’s release marks a turning point in his 440-day ordeal but leaves unanswered questions about the region’s treatment of journalists and activists.

(With files from Agencies)