Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate Condemns Arrest of Bashdar Baziani
“The arrest of journalist Bashdar Baziani by Sulaimani security forces, without prior notice and without a court order, is a violation of the journalism law,” the statement read.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate has strongly condemned the arrest of journalist Bashdar Baziani by Sulaimani security forces, describing the detention as a violation of journalism laws and press freedom. The syndicate has called for his immediate release, warning against any attempts to politicize or divert the case.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate declared, “The arrest of journalist Bashdar Baziani by Sulaimani security forces, without prior notice and without a court order, is a violation of the journalism law.”
The statement also denounced the authorities' decision to prevent Baziani’s family from visiting him, labeling it a flagrant legal violation and contrary to the principles of freedom of opinion and press.
Arrest and Detention Without Due Process
Baziani was detained on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, along with three other colleagues, who were subsequently released. However, Baziani remains incarcerated without formal charges, raising serious concerns among media freedom advocates and press organizations.
Read More: Sulaimani Security Forces Arrest Three Journalists
The Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate Council has demanded that Sulaimani authorities adhere to legal standards and ensure that journalists are not arbitrarily detained.
The council emphasized that Baziani’s case must not be manipulated for political purposes, urging authorities to respect journalistic independence and human rights.
Sulaimani’s Troubling Track Record of Targeting Journalists
Baziani’s arrest is the latest in a series of journalist detentions, abductions, and killings in Sulaimani, raising serious concerns about press freedom in the region.
On October 23, 2023, journalist Jamal Abdullah was arrested in Sulaimani after appearing in court over a previous arrest warrant, while Basnews correspondent Imad Bilal was taken into custody by security forces without prior notice.
The Bas Media Organization responded by stating, “We hold the authorities of Sulaimani city, which is under the control of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), responsible for the safety of both journalists, as there is a bitter history in dealing with journalists and detainees in that city.”
Journalist Azad Bayiz also revealed that on September 11, 2023, he was detained by a PUK security agency in Chamchamal before being transferred to Sulaimani Counter-Terrorism. Similarly, the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate condemned the arrests of multiple journalists, warning that such incidents threaten both freedom of expression and journalists’ safety.
The targeting of journalists and activists in Sulaimani has been a persistent issue for several years. On October 16, 2019, journalists Amanj Babany and Lana Mohammad, along with their child Hano, were assassinated, yet the Sulaimani court closed their case without transparency.
Read More: Possible double murder-suicide in Sulaimani shooting of journalists, child, investigation shows
The pattern continued on April 26, 2021, when journalists Aram Sayakhan and Shermin Ali were abducted, followed by the abduction of Bakhan Azad on May 31, 2021, after criticizing the authorities.
Later that year, on November 25, 2021, journalist Murad Kani Kurdeyi was assassinated in Ranya.
More politically motivated killings followed, including the assassination of Colonel Hawkar Jaf in Erbil on October 7, 2022. As a result of investigations conducted by the Council, it was revealed that the Sulaimani-based Counter Terrorism Group (CTG) was behind the “terrorist attack” that killed the officer, according to the KRSC statement.
Read More: Kurdish security council release confessions of perpetrators killing its member
Just days later, on October 9, 2022, journalists Sartip Waisi and Ibrahim Ali were abducted by security agencies upon arriving in Sulaimani, further underscoring the ongoing threats against press freedom and dissent in the region.
These cases illustrate a clear pattern of repression in Sulaimani, where journalists face arrests, abductions, and even assassinations—a reality that contradicts the principles of free press and human rights.
Call for Immediate Release and Protection of Press Rights
The Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate has urged Sulaimani’s security forces to immediately release Baziani and to respect the legal protections afforded to journalists. It has also called on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to take concrete steps to ensure press freedom and to prevent further violations against journalists.
As the case unfolds, media organizations and press freedom advocates will continue to monitor developments, urging authorities to uphold fundamental rights and journalistic protections in the Kurdistan Region.
