I recently attended a significant meeting at the UK Parliament, organized for Sardar Harki, former Iraqi MP, to address the state of journalism and access to information laws in Iraq and Kurdistan. The discussion shed light on the pressing challenges journalists face in the region and the urgent need for reforms to protect press freedom.
One of the main concerns raised was the restrictive environment in which journalists operate. Despite Kurdistan’s claims of democracy and free speech, many journalists continue to face threats, imprisonment, and violence for simply doing their job. The discussion highlighted the necessity of legal and institutional reforms to ensure the right to access information and to create a safe space for independent journalism.
Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy, yet in Kurdistan, it remains under threat. The meeting emphasized that without transparent governance and strong protections for journalists, the region cannot progress toward a truly open and free society. More efforts are required from both local authorities and international organizations to safeguard the rights of journalists and uphold freedom of speech.
Attending this discussion reinforced the importance of continuous advocacy for media freedom. The struggle for a free press is ongoing, but with collective efforts, change is possible.
