KDP authorities detain Journalist Suleiman for 281 days
The Democratic Party of Kurdistan (KDP) authorities have detained journalist Suleiman Ahmed for 281 days after sentencing him to three years in prison, a decision that has sparked widespread controversy among media and human rights circles.
On July 29, the Duhok Criminal Court sentenced Suleiman Ahmed, the Roj News editor, to three years in prison on flimsy charges, despite the case file containing no evidence or documentation to support the claims. As a result, the court imposed the sentence without conclusive evidence, leading to significant debate among media and human rights communities.
Suleiman Ahmed's lawyer noted that the KDP's verdict against his client should have been based on journalism law, and the defense team plans to appeal the Duhok court's decision.
The Democratic Autonomous Administration of NE Syria’s Media Office stated that the KDP's ruling against Suleiman Ahmed is unjust and illegal, representing a clear violation of international journalism standards and laws. They have called for immediate intervention from relevant bodies to protect journalists and secure his release.
Reporters Without Borders condemned the ruling against Roj News editor Suleiman Ahmed and called for his immediate release.
The American Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also urged the immediate release of Suleiman Ahmed, asserting that the charges against him were a pretext to silence him, and denying that any evidence supports these charges.
The Metro Center for Journalists' Freedom
expressed its dismay at the Duhok court’s three-year prison sentence for Suleiman Ahmed, stating that the ruling was unfair and that the trial procedures were not impartial. The center called for the ruling to be overturned and for a retrial in accordance with justice standards.
The Women’s Media Union and the Free Media Union condemned the sentences against Suleiman Ahmed and urged relevant authorities to expose the violations and practices faced by freedom advocates.
Suleiman Ahmed was abducted by KDP forces at the Fish Khabur border crossing on October 25, 2023, while returning to S. Kurdistan after visiting his family in Sheikh Maqsoud, Aleppo, on October 1.
ANHA
