Kurdistan Region PM Celebrates 127th Kurdish Press Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Media Freedom
Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), marked the 127th anniversary of Kurdish Press Day and the founding of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate by emphasizing the government’s support for press freedom and the vital role of journalists in society.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Barzani paid tribute to the legacy of Kurdish journalism, recalling the launch of the first Kurdish newspaper, Kurdistan, by the late Prince Miqdad Midhat Badrkhan in 1898. He extended his congratulations to all journalists in the region, praising their contributions to public awareness and democratic development.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the KRG’s dedication to upholding freedom of expression and ensuring a safe, professional environment for media workers.
“The Kurdistan Regional Government remains committed to protecting press freedoms, enabling journalists to perform their duties with integrity, and adhering to legal and ethical standards,” Barzani stated. He urged media professionals to avoid defamation and unethical discourse while maintaining high journalistic standards.
Barzani also highlighted the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability, calling on journalists to actively support the government’s reform efforts.
“We expect Kurdistan’s journalists to uphold the noble values of their profession by delivering accurate, reliable news and helping to identify shortcomings in governance,” he said. “Their work is essential in fostering an informed society and advancing Kurdistan’s progress.”
Kurdish Press Day commemorates the birth of the Kurdish press with the publication of Kurdistan in Cairo, a milestone in Kurdish cultural and political history. The day also honors the contributions of journalists who have worked under challenging conditions to uphold press freedom in the region.
As part of the anniversary events, media organizations and press unions across the Kurdistan Region are holding seminars and awards ceremonies to recognize outstanding journalism.
