Journalist Suleiman Ahmed detained for 321 days

Suleiman Ahmed, a journalist and editor for Roj News Agency, has been held by KDP authorities for 321 days following a ruling by the Dohuk Criminal Court on July 29, sentencing him to three years in prison, despite the absence of any evidence in the case file or documents proving any wrongdoing. This has sparked widespread controversy among media and legal circles.

Nareman Ahmed, one of Suleiman Ahmed’s lawyers, revealed new information on Sunday (September 8) regarding the appeal session at the S. Kurdistan Court of Cassation for Suleiman’s case. He said, "The case is currently before the Court of Cassation, and a decision will be made soon."

Nareman Ahmed stated, "There is insufficient evidence against Suleiman Ahmed, yet he was sentenced to three years in prison." He called for "pressure on the Court of Cassation to overturn the Dohuk Court’s decision, stop this oppression, and restore the judiciary's dignity."

The lawyer previously mentioned that the KDP authorities' ruling against his client should have been based on press laws. He indicated that the defense team would appeal the Dohuk court's ruling.

Suleiman Ahmed’s lawyers have submitted the case file to the Court of Cassation in Hawler, demanding the cancellation of the Dohuk court's decision and his release.

Suleiman Ahmed was kidnapped by the forces of the Kurdistan Democratic Party on October 25, 2023, at the Fish Khabour crossing while returning to S. Kurdistan. This occurred after he had traveled to the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood in Aleppo on October 1 to visit his family.

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