President Nechirvan Barzani’s statement on Kurdish Journalism Day

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all journalists and media professionals in Kurdistan on the 128th anniversary of the publication of the Kurdistan newspaper, founded by Mir Miqdad Midhat Badirkhan, and the 28th anniversary of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate.

On this significant occasion, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to safeguarding press freedom and freedom of expression, which are essential pillars of democracy and a thriving civil society.

We will continue our efforts to create a suitable and free environment for media work, ensuring that the right to access information is upheld and that journalists receive the professional protection they deserve.

Free and courageous journalism serves as a vital partner in promoting good governance and justice. I urge journalists to uphold the public interest and social harmony with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism, and to contribute to the promotion of a culture of coexistence, mutual respect, and tolerance, fostering a spirit of patriotism and affection for the nation.

I pay tribute to the memory of the martyrs of journalism and all those who dedicated their lives to the cause of free expression.

Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region

[Source: Kurdistan Region Presidency]