On December 31, 2024, the security forces of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Sulaymaniyah (Silêmanî)—acting, they claimed, under an Iraqi federal government order but without a legal warrant—raided the production facilities of the Gizingi Barbayan company. For seven years, the company had been producing media programs for JIN TV, the Kurdistan Women’s Freedom Organisation (RJAK) and several other institutions. The raid effectively halted the organisation’s media and news activities.
The unlawful raid on Gizingi Barbayan by KRG security forces sparked widespread condemnation from journalists and free speech advocates across Kurdistan. In response, a press conference was convened in Sulaymaniyah on January 2, 2025, bringing together Gizingi Barbayan members, media activists, and intellectuals.
During the conference, Sinur Rahman, representing Kurdistan’s journalistic community, addressed an international audience, women, and media activists. Rahman emphasised that this attack was a clear attempt to silence JIN TV and directly impede the ongoing campaign for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Tawar Adel, Gizingi Barbayan’s director, commented on the actions of the Iraqi central government and Sulaymaniyah security forces: “Our media operations have been paralysed for days, yet no official statement regarding the raid has been issued by any security or regulatory body.” Adel added, “The security forces informed us that formal legal proceedings would commence next week.”
Shirin Tahir, a female Sulaymaniyah based writer from the Iraqi Kurdistan region (KRI) asserted that this sudden attack was likely carried out due to political pressure. “It should come as no surprise that Gizingi Barbayan Media Company is actively involved in broadcasting the realities of women and society,” she added.
Separately, the Mesopotamian Women Journalists Association (MGK) issued a statement, condemning the attack on Gizingi Barbayan, emphasising that “For seven years this company has focused on women’s empowerment, employing women to cover all sectors of Kurdistan.” The statement further stressed that the Iraqi government and security agencies in the KRI are trying to undermine equality by obstructing the company’s media output.
In response to the increasing media restrictions imposed by the Iraqi central government and the KRG, Shami Ramo, speaking on behalf of the Yazidi Women’s Freedom Movement (TAJE), underscored the vital role of the media in exposing the demands and realities of women globally. She further emphasised the unwavering support of Yazidi women for freedom of the press and women’s rights.
In response to protests by women and civil society activists in the KRI, a source within the Sulaymaniyah security forces—speaking on condition of anonymity—told Shar Press: “We have already received a decision from the Iraqi Judicial Council recommending that the Centre be suspended until they renew their license in Baghdad.”
According to sources from KRI, the closure of these centers appears to be a concession to the Iraqi central government under political pressure from Turkey.
