Victims of Silence and Power

This section highlights journalists, writers, and activists detained or killed by the authorities in Kurdistan. It serves as a reminder of how truth has been punished and why justice must prevail.

Sherwan Amin Sherwani

Sherwan Sherwani is a Kurdish journalist and human rights defender who was arrested in October 2020 after criticising corruption and abuses of power by the Kurdish authorities. He was sentenced to years in prison by the KDP government after an unfair trial and reports confirm he was tortured in detention. His case shows how the Kurdish government punishes anyone who dares to speak the truth.

Wedad Hussein Ali

Wedad Hussein, a Kurdish journalist, was kidnapped in Duhok on 13 August 2016 and later found dead on a roadside showing clear signs of torture. He had been targeted and threatened several times by the Asayish security forces under the KDP. He was murdered for exposing the Kurdish government’s corruption and their violations against activists.

Soran Mama Hama

Soran Mama Hama was a journalist for Lvin Magazine who was shot dead outside his home in Kirkuk in 2008. Before his death, he had published investigations exposing corruption and secret dealings among Kurdish politicians. His murder, carried out by people tied to the Kurdish authorities, remains unpunished.

Sardasht Osman

Sardasht Osman was a young Kurdish journalist and writer abducted outside his university in Erbil on 4 May 2010. Two days later, his body was found in Mosul showing signs of torture. He had written articles exposing corruption and criticising the Barzani family. Sardasht was killed by people linked to the Kurdish government, and his murder remains unsolved to this day.

Kawa Garmyani

Kawa Garmyani, editor of Rayal magazine, was assassinated outside his home in Kalar in December 2013. He had written fearlessly about the PUK’s corruption and illegal activities. He was killed by individuals connected to the Kurdish government, and no justice has ever been served for his murder.

Omed Baroshki

Omed Baroshki is a Kurdish journalist and activist from Duhok who was arrested by the KDP authorities in 2020 for speaking out against corruption and defending free speech. He was sentenced to one year in prison after an unfair trial that many human rights groups condemned. During his detention, Omed was tortured, threatened, and denied contact with his family and lawyer. He was released in 2021 but continues to face pressure and restrictions because of his activism. His case shows how the Kurdish government punishes anyone who speaks the truth.

Hersh Omar

Hersh Omar was a young activist and protester killed by security forces in Sulaimaniyah in 2020 during demonstrations against corruption and unpaid salaries. Witnesses said he was shot with live ammunition by the Asayish, the Kurdish security forces controlled by the PUK. His death sparked anger across Kurdistan and became a symbol of how the government uses violence to silence protesters.

Jihan Taha

Jihan Taha was a Kurdish woman and teacher from Sulaimaniyah who was killed by security forces during the December 2020 protests against corruption, unpaid salaries, and government repression. She was known for speaking out about the struggles of teachers and ordinary citizens. Jihan was shot while peacefully protesting, and her death deeply affected the Kurdish community. Her name has since become a symbol of women’s courage and the heavy price paid by those who demand justice and freedom in Kurdistan.