Top Kurdish leaders on Monday commemorated Kurdish Journalism Day, which marks the 126th anniversary of the first publication of Kurdistan newspaper by Mikdad Midhat Bedir Khan in 1898 in Cairo.
The day also falls on the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate.
Read More: Kurdistan Newspaper and Its Role in Promoting Kurdish Identity and Language
Mikdad Midhat Bedir Khan, the founder of Kurdistan, was a member of the Bedir Khan family, a prominent family that played a leading role in Kurdish politics.
On Kurdish Journalism Day, we honor the contributions and hard work of Kurdistani journalists.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) April 22, 2024
We reaffirm our full support for the freedom of press and expression in the Kurdistan Region.
“On Kurdish Journalism Day, we honor the contributions and hard work of Kurdistani journalists,” Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said in a post on X.
“We reaffirm our full support for the freedom of press and expression in the Kurdistan Region.”
In a statement Kurdistan Region President President Nechirvan Barzani reaffirmed his “unwavering support for journalists and my firm belief in freedom of the press and expression as the fundamental principle of any democratic and free society.”
“I urge journalists to adhere to the principles of journalistic ethics and the laws governing journalism. Furthermore, they should actively promote social harmony, political stability, and prioritize the best interests of the people and the nation.”
Additionally, Kurdistan Democratic Party President Masoud Barzani expressed his “heartfelt congratulations to all of the journalists in Kurdistan” in a post on X and wished them continued success.
Several diplomatic missions in the Kurdistan Region commemorated Kurdish Journalism Day.
On #Kurdish Press Day, the United States reaffirms its commitment to promoting the role of a free and independent press in the Iraqi #Kurdistan Region and around the world. #KurdishPressDay pic.twitter.com/IGn1I9rvcp
— U.S. Consulate General Erbil (@USCGERBIL) April 22, 2024
“On Kurdish Press Day, the United States reaffirms its commitment to promoting the role of a free and independent press in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and around the world,” the U.S. Consulate General Erbil stated in a post on X.
Today is #KurdishJournalismDay. ?? supports freedom of press and speech, which are fundamental elements of a successful democracy. pic.twitter.com/at4CLh3m6s
— German Consulate Erbil (@GermanyInKRI) April 22, 2024
The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Erbil in a post on X underlined that Germany “supports freedom of press and speech, which are fundamental elements of a successful democracy.”
