EDM: Journalist Sherwan Sherwani

Journalist Sherwan Sherwani

Tabled by John McDonnell (Labour) 14 signatures

The motion

That this House expresses its extreme concern that on 19 August 2025 journalist Sherwan Sherwani was sentenced to another four years and six months in prison for allegedly threatening a prison officer; notes that on 16 February 2021 the Erbil Criminal Court sentenced Sherwan Sherwani and four others to six years in prison on charges of spying for the Kurdistan Workers' Party; is further concerned that The Kurdistan Democratic Party authorities are sending a message of fear to the protesting people of Kurdistan with this punishment; believes this sentence is not only unfair but also repressive as the new charges against Sherwan are vague, unproven, and issued behind prison walls where he had no means of defence; is also concerned that the law and the justice system are being used as tools of domination against writers, journalists, protest leaders, progressive personalities, civil and humanitarian organizations, and every political party that claims to support freedom and a free press; and calls on the Government to liaise with the Kurdistan Regional Government to immediately release Sherwan and allow him to return to his life, reuniting with his family and children without further delay.

Signatories (14)