The International Organization of Freedom and Human Rights statement about the sentencing of the five journalists and civil activists in the Kurdistan Region

The International Organization of Freedom and Human Rights statement about the sentencing of the five journalists and civil activists in the Kurdistan Region
Freedom and international human rights organization in Kurdistan region-Iraq carefully monitored the trial of the five journalists and civil activists named (Sherwan Sherwani - Shvan Saeed - Ayaz Karim - Mariwan Issa, Gohdar Zebari) and we gave many notes and observations to the Kurdistan Regional Government and explained that the trial was not just, and no lawyers were present for the defendants in court when their statements were received, they were also mistreated and were forced to sign.
According to law, the accused should be tried in the place where they committed the crime they’ve been accused of, but in their case they have been transferred to Erbil court for the reason of forced punishment.
And during the trial, the detainees could not defend themselves or put any blame, they mentioned being tortured for confession, this goes without saying that their detaining place was unsuitable which caused them to go on strike.
The International Organization of Freedom and Human Rights asks the Kurdistan Regional Government for their release, along with compensation for their illegal detention, also asks for a quick investigation into their trial, their transfer to another city, their detention in an inappropriate place and their torture during the questioning.
This is at a period of time when the people of Kurdistan want to have permanent support from the international community to be protected in regional conflicts. The representatives of the international community's supporting countries cannot be included in local conflicts or be involved in some cases that will only reduce their support for the Kurdistan Region. In the events of the government not releasing the journalists and civil activists, Freedom and Human Rights Organization will issue a complaint in the international court to put pressure on the judicial authority in the Kurdistan Region-Iraq.
The organization also asks all consulates to halt granting visas to the participants of the trial.
A statement of International Organization of Freedom and Human Rights in Kurdistan region- Iraq 11\5\2021