U.S. concerned about the backslide in human rights in the Kurdistan Region

World 10:25 AM - 2023-02-19

U.S. Consul General

The U.S. Consulate General in Erbil has expressed concern over the deterioration of human rights, freedom of expression, the media, and minority and women's rights in the Kurdistan Region.

The U.S. Consulate General stated that Consul General Irvin Hicks shares the same concerns for "the backslide in human rights, freedom of expression and media, and the rights of minorities and women in the IKR."

"The United States is dedicated to defending freedom of expression and the press and believes that journalists and media outlets should be able to cover the news without fear of intimidation, harassment, or retaliation," the statement continued.

Ayhan Hassan, a representative for the detainees from Badinan, stated: "We are highly skeptical of how the jail administration treats our prisoners, to the point where we suspect a conspiracy and biological terrorism."

The representative for those who have been imprisoned in Badinan (the governorate of Duhok and its surroundings) has issued a warning to the public about the dangers facing journalists and activists who are detained there.

In Erbil and Duhok, prisoners are being mistreated

Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, and Duhok prisoners'' rights differ significantly from one another. 

According to Hassan, the inmates in Erbil and Duhok ought to be given the same level of protection as those in Sulaymaniyah.

"There is a significant disparity in the rights of prisoners in Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, and Duhok... prisoners' rights are better safeguarded in Sulaymaniyah," said Bashdar Hassan, head of the defense team for Badinan detainees, in a statement to PUKMEDIA.

He continued: "The United States is worried about the reversal of human rights, freedom of expression, and minority rights in the Kurdistan Region and calls for freedom in the Kurdistan Region."

Bashdar Hassan urged human rights organizations and consulates through PUKMEDIA to protect the rights of prisoners in Erbil and Duhok and prevent additional violations.
 


PUKMEDIA