Channel 8 team released in Hawler

A security force in Southern Kurdistan has released members of Channel 8’s team after detaining them while they were preparing a report on the environment in Hawler. The release came after their video footage was deleted and they were questioned.

16 April, 2026 18:06

NEWSDESK

Channel 8 reported that “a security force affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party detained reporter Ayoub Werti and cameraman Hengaw Xefûr, who work for Channel 8, in Hawler today while the team was preparing a field report on the environmental impact of oil refineries in the city.”

It added that “the team was held for several hours before being released.” Reporter Ayoub Werti said that “the forces raided them during filming and asked them to delete the videos they had recorded.” He also noted that they were taken to Hawler, then allowed to leave after being interrogated.

The Channel 8 correspondent revealed that security forces informed them of the need to obtain prior approval from the relevant authorities before starting any media work, considering this a basic requirement for the team’s future activities in the area.

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ANHA