Mesopotamia Women Journalists' Association (MKG) announced its June Violations of Rights Violations against Women Journalists report. According to the report, seven female journalists were detained last month, and two of whom were remanded in custody. On the other hand, pressure, threats, and physical attacks against journalists continued.

 

The report highlighted the case of Mezopotamya Agency reporter Zeynep Durgut, who was threatened because of a news story she had written. This incident once again brought to the fore the security risks faced by journalists while doing their job.

 

MKG emphasized that journalistic activities are being criminalized and freedom of expression is being systematically violated. The dismissal of journalists working for VOA Kurdish was cited as an example of the lack of security in journalism.

 

The report contains the following data for June:

 

"* 7 journalists were detained

 

* 2 journalists were imprisoned

 

* 3 journalists' homes were raided

 

* 2 journalists were ill-treated

 

* 3 journalists were threatened

 

* 2 journalists were prevented from following up on news stories

 

* 2 journalists were investigated

 

* 1 journalist was sentenced to 2 years and 1 month in prison

 

* 10 cases are ongoing against 11 journalists

 

* 7 journalists remain in prison

 

* 1 journalist was dismissed, 1 press card was revoked"

 

MKG called on all institutions and society to fight for an end to violations of freedom of expression and the press and for the protection of journalists' fundamental rights.

 

The statement said: “Ending restrictions on journalists’ right to report, ending impunity, transparently investigating rights violations, and decriminalizing journalism are among the minimum requirements of a democratic society. In addition to the physical violence and threats faced by journalists while conducting their work, policies aimed at intimidating journalists through arrest and prosecution continue. We reiterate our call to all institutions and society to put an end to violations of press and freedom of expression, protect the rights of journalists, and wage an effective struggle against the policy of impunity.”