Qubad Talabani Reaffirms PUK’s Commitment to Protecting Journalists and Safeguarding Press Freedom

Qubad Talabani's Media

Qubad Talabani, supervisor of the electoral campaign of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan's (PUK) List 222 in Erbil constituency.

Qubad Talabani, supervisor of the electoral campaign of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan's (PUK) List 222 in Erbil constituency, reaffirmed that the PUK not only upholds freedom of the press but also actively prevents other parties from undermining or restricting that freedom.

In a statement on his official Facebook page, Talabani said: “President Mam Jalal often reminded us that the PUK — a party that never feared planes, bombs, or missiles — will never fear criticism from journalists or even the misrepresentation of rival media outlets.”

He added that during his meeting with journalists and media professionals in Erbil province, he acknowledged the challenges they face, noting that “journalism remains a difficult mission in Erbil and some other areas, yet our journalists continue to perform their duties with courage and professionalism.”

“As President Bafel stated in Erbil, the PUK will stand behind its journalists, comrades, and cadres like Mount Safin,” Talabani affirmed, expressing gratitude to journalists for their bravery in covering the recent attack on PUK campaign members.

He emphasised that the PUK not only upholds freedom of the press but also actively prevents other parties from undermining or restricting that freedom.

The PUK is contesting the 2025 Iraqi parliamentary elections, scheduled for 11 November, across several governorates, presenting its candidates on an independent list numbered 222 in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah (including Halabja), Duhok, Kirkuk, and Diyala. In Nineveh Governorate, the PUK is running as part of the "Nineveh People’s Union Coalition" with number 281, while in Saladin it is fielding one candidate within the "National Masses Coalition" with number 240.

Overall, the PUK is entering the elections with 156 candidates: 36 in Sulaymaniyah, 30 in Erbil, 5 in Duhok, 24 in Kirkuk, 28 in Diyala, 31 in Nineveh within the Nineveh People’s Union Coalition, and one candidate each in Saladin and Baghdad.



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