On Friday, May 7, the Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan issued a statement regarding the acceptance of the Kurdistan Region Court of Cassation to incarcerate journalists and activists in Badinan, reiterating that the decision spoils the image of the Kurdistan Region in front of the international community.

Below is the context of the statement:

The Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan expresses its strong resentment for the decision of the Court of Cassation to ratify unfair punishments against activists and journalists detained in Badinan, that such developments constitute a great threat to the sovereignty of the judiciary, and the foundations of human rights, democracy, and freedom of expression in the Kurdistan region and distort the image of the region in front of the international community.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, despite its efforts through its official channels to eliminate unfair penalties against the detainees of Badinan, at the same time calls on the President of the Kurdistan Region to exercise his legal powers by issuing a special pardon for the detainees. The Kurdistan Parliament calls for a serious position regarding the file of detainees and the independence of the authorities from interference and also welcomes any party or political party that adds its voice to the voice of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan for independence, rule of law, and the judiciary. The Politburo of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan confirms that the experience of the Kurdistan Region and our people was and still needs international support and sympathy.

Edited by: PUKmedia/PUKNOW