Update on the Situation of Journalist and Activists
6 Journalists and Activists in prison
Sherwan Sherwani Suleman Ahmad Qaraman Shukry
Guhdar Zebari Abbas Rekani Nazir Mikaeil Barwary
Suleman Ahmad
On 25 October, 2023 Suleman Ahmad, a Kurdish-Syrian journalist and editor for RojNews, was arrested at the Faysh Khabur border crossing while returning to work in Sulaymaniyah after visiting his family in Northeast Syria. On October 30th the general directorate of security in Dohuk declared that they had arrested Suleman because he was on a secret mission for the PKK. On November 2nd his lawyers tried to visit him in Duhok. In that particular visit security forces told the lawyers that they did not have Suleman despite the earlier declaration from the general directorate. At the end of November, his lawyers attempted to locate him and visit him again in the Duhok Asayish prison but were told by security forces that they have him but he is still in the investigation process and because of that he can not meet with his lawyers. It has been 49 days since his arrest and during that time he has not been allowed to meet with his family or lawyers.
Salar Chomani
On September 13th, 2023 Salar Chomani, a local activist and hiker in Choman, was arrested. At first he was told he was accused of having an affiliation with the PKK. After some time the accusation changed to stealing money. After some time again, the accusation from security forces was changed to Salar allegedly having explosive devices. After 57 days of detention and interrogation, the security forces released him without any charges. On the day of his release he was clearly told by Asayish security forces to not have any communication with other activists anymore. He was also clearly told that he should be more collaborative with the KDP and it would be for his benefit.
Abbas Rekani
On November 21st Abbas Rekani was arrested by security forces at 10:30 in the evening. Abbas was an activist in Shiladze in the Duhok governorate criticizing the government for corruption and advocating for the journalist and activists imprisoned. Abbas was publicly critical of government corruption on his social media which led to this arrest. Family members of Abbas told CPT that one day before the arrest, Abbas received threats from the ruling political parties in Shiladze. He still has not been released and there is no information on any of the allegations against him. In the last Facebook post before his arrest he posted, “It has been 9 hours since we don’t have electricity.” He was arrested just two hours later.
Update on Turkish Bombardments
At least 30 bombardments
No civilians killed or injured
On November 3rd two Turkish drones were seen flying over Slemani at a very low altitude over the Ibrahim Ahmed neighborhood. The low altitude of the drones terrified residents of a potential impending drone strike.
On November 4th, Turkish Armed Forces bombed Berkma, Bole, Garwy Singan, Begwanan, Bradost, and Sidakan
On November 6th a Turkish drone targeted 2 PKK militants inside Bosken Town, Ranya district while they were walking in civilian clothes. The attack was very close to civilians and civilian infrastructure.
On November 7th Turkish fighter jets bombed Kaskan, Sinamoka, Kuna Kotar, Rasw Valley, Bayawan, Slle, Bolle, Sarjo Raban, and villages in Pishdar at least 11 times.
On November 15th, TAF bombed Bolle, Garwy Singan,and Begwanan at least 6 times.
On November 16th, TAF bombed Bolle, Berkma, and Barbazin, at least four times.
On November 25th, Turkish bombed Barbazin highlands intensively.
