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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdish leaders on Tuesday commemorated the 127th anniversary of the publication of the first Kurdistan newspaper and the 27th anniversary of the establishment of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate, emphasizing the vital role of the press in promoting public awareness, democracy, and freedom of speech.
Tuesday marks the anniversary of the publication of the first issue of "Kurdistan," the first Kurdish-language newspaper in history.
Issued in Cairo, Egypt by renowned literary figure Miqdad Medhat Baderkhan in 1898, the issue was written in the Kurmanji dialect. A total of 31 issues of the newspaper were published in the span of four years.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in a statement extended his congratulations to all journalists on the occasion, reaffirming the Region's commitment to press freedom.
He highlighted the 'unwavering commitment to press freedom and the importance of protecting free expression, which are fundamental pillars of democracy, societal development, and a thriving community.'
The Kurdish president added that the Kurdistan Region 'will continue our efforts to foster a supportive environment for journalists, ensuring their access to information remains free from restrictions or barriers, and that any violations of journalism laws are appropriately addressed.'
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also congratulated journalists on the occasion and reaffirmed the government's support for press freedom.
'We reaffirm the Kurdistan Regional Government's commitment to freedom of opinion, freedom of media and journalism work, and facilitating the work of media professionals,' the Kurdish prime minister said.
He called for journalism to be practiced 'taking into account the law, ethics, and international standards.'
Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani, in a statement marking the occasion, described journalism as 'an important factor in promoting national awareness and preserving and enriching the Kurdish language.'
The KDP leader also emphasized journalism as an important tool for representing the Kurdish people's just cause and their peace-loving culture.
Kurdish authorities have repeatedly faced criticism by international organizations and foreign missions for their treatment of journalists as well as for imposing restrictive measures on the press.
In mid-January, a report from the Metro Center for Journalists' Rights and Advocacy emphasized that the number of press freedom violations committed in the Kurdistan Region in 2024 has declined.
However, the Kurdish watchdog warned that journalists still face serious problems, especially in accessing information.
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