KDP authorities detain Journalist Suleiman for 286 days

The Democratic Party of Kurdistan (KDP) authorities have detained Roj News journalist and editor Suleiman Ahmed for 286 days, after the Duhok Criminal Court sentenced him to three years in prison on July 29. The charges were flimsy, despite the case file containing no evidence or documentation to support them. As a result, the court imposed the sentence without any conclusive evidence, leading to widespread controversy among media and human rights circles. 

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, the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Metro Center for Journalistic Freedom, the Women's Media Union, and the Union of Free Media all condemned the sentencing of Rojava News Agency editor Suleiman Ahmed and demanded his immediate release.

Suleiman Ahmed was abducted by Kurdistan Democratic Party forces at the Fish Khabur crossing on October 25, 2023, while returning to S. Kurdistan after visiting his family in Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood in Aleppo on October 1.

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