Media should ‘bridge the gap’ between people and power: KRG

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – On Kurdish Press Day, the KRG has stressed the importance of media, calling on news outlets in the Region to “bridge the gap” between the people and the halls of power.

Kurdish Journalism Day falls on the anniversary of the publication of the first Kurdish newspaper, titled ‘Kurdistan,’ that rolled off the printing press 120 years ago on April 22, 1898 in Cairo by renowned literary figure Mikdad Midhad Badirkhan.

The paper soon became enormously popular among literate Kurds across the Middle East.

The first Kurdish paper that was published in the Kurdistan Region was called Peshkawtn (Progress) and was printed under British rule in Sulaimani from 1920 to 1922.

“We are extending warm congratulations to all the journalists and journalist syndicates of Kurdistan. We wish them success in their professional work and in conveying true and nationalistic messages to further serve society,” the KRG stated on the anniversary.

The statement added that they appreciate the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate’s advocacy for the rights and demands of journalists in the Kurdistan Region.

The KRG said it is proud to see tens of media outlets with different backgrounds and political messages operating “in a free atmosphere” in the Kurdistan Region.

“Through following a right and professional, authentic and civic method and distancing themselves from any acts which may harm their prestige and damage the reputation of Kurdish media and social stability, they could play a giant role in preserving the freedom which they enjoy,” the KRG message read.

Media is “the fourth authority” in the Kurdistan Region and the KRG is always seeking to “provide them with a convenient and civic atmosphere for their journalistic works according to the freedom of press principles.”

“The media outlets should also become a bridge between the government and people to monitor and follow up on projects and works,” the KRG stated.

KRG authorities have recently come under harsh criticism after at least 15 journalists were reportedly assaulted and another seven were detained during recent anti-government protests.

International press freedom watchdog the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a security warning for journalists, saying that Kurdish authorities could “apply a heavy hand in the lead-up to elections.”

In its statement on Sunday, the KRG called on media outlets to “play a positive role” in encouraging calm campaigning ahead of Iraqi’s May 12 parliamentary elections.