The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has issued a strong appeal for the release of Iraqi Kurdish journalist Sherwan Sherwani. This call came after a recent court decision in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KR-I) to extend Sherwani's imprisonment by an additional four years and five months. The Bnaslawa Misdemeanor Court's decision has escalated concerns over the state of press freedom in the region.

Sherwani, known for his critical coverage of human rights issues, corruption, and military activities in northern Iraq, faces accusations of threatening a counter-terrorism officer while in detention. His lawyer, Mohammed Abdullah, criticized the court's decision as "oppressive" and "predetermined", signaling a clear intent to keep Sherwani confined. Despite the charges, Sherwani and his legal team are preparing for an appeal, denying all allegations made against him.

Initially arrested in 2020, Sherwani was sentenced in 2021 to six years for purportedly "undermining national security", a term later reduced by a presidential decree. His continued re-sentencing, particularly under document-related allegations, paints a troubling picture of the treatment of journalists in KR-I.

The situation in Kurdistan has drawn attention from multiple human rights organizations. Amnesty International has highlighted a worrying trend in the region, documenting cases of arbitrary arrests, torture, and unfair trials. In 2023 alone, 37 journalists faced arrest, with 27 more subjected to attacks or threats.

The Metro Center for Journalists’ Rights and Advocacy corroborates these findings, adding that such actions are indicative of broader systemic repression in Kurdistan. According to Amnesty's Iraq Campaigner, Bissan Fakih, "No one should face harassment and intimidation simply for carrying out their journalistic work. Authorities should uphold human rights and press freedom."

Moreover, the Kurdistan Journalists’ Syndicate reported 45 violations of media and journalist rights in 2024, including arrests, bans on coverage, attacks, and equipment confiscation. Although the International Federation of Journalists notes a decline in such incidents compared to previous years, the continued violations emphasize the persistent threats to journalists’ safety and independence in the region.

These developments starkly contrast with the Kurdistan Regional Government’s claims of being a "beacon of press freedom," underscoring a significant gap between official statements and the reality faced by journalists on the ground. The international community continues to watch closely, calling for immediate reforms and the protection of journalistic freedom in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.