Today at the main office of Draw, an open dialogue was held on “The Situation of Journalism and Freedom of Expression in the Kurdistan Region.”

The discussion, moderated by writer and journalist Kemal Raouf, brought together writers and journalists to exchange views on the topic.

In particular, considerable attention was given to the current state of freedom of expression and journalism in the Kurdistan Region, which many argue is under pressure. Have the government and those in power restricted freedom of expression?

Especially after the imprisonment of Sherwan Sherwani, the attack on Hemen Mamand, and the incidents in Lalazar—as well as other recent events across the Kurdistan Region—many journalists and activists have felt an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty.

Where is this situation heading?
Is it a normal state of affairs, or is it a reflection of broader domestic, regional, and geopolitical dynamics?