The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) recent violations of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression is of grave concern to us, human rights defenders and activists. The KRG’s blatant disregards for the rule of law and violations of international treaties under PM Masrour Barzani leadership have reached a new level following the kidnapping of dozens of journalists and human rights activists, who were snatched from their homes and places of work and locked up on trumped-up charges. 

After the Aug 2020 peaceful protest demanding the civil servants’ rightful salaries to be paid, over 280 people were arrested, among them were teachers, civil servants, journalists and human rights activists, some of whom have been subjected to physical and psychological tortures, prolonged solitary confinement and denied access to legal aid and visitations.