Writers warn over jailed journalist’s worsening condition on day 23 of hunger strike

ERBIL — A group of writers, journalists, university professors and civil activists issued a statement Wednesday expressing “deep concern” over the continued imprisonment and deteriorating health of jailed journalist Sherwan Sherwani as his hunger strike entered its 23rd day.

Sherwani’s lawyer, Mohammed Abdullah, told 964media that the journalist had contacted him earlier Wednesday saying “his health has been deteriorating and none of the demands have been met.” Abdullah said Sherwani had repeatedly requested medical attention inside prison but had not been examined by health staff. “The prison authorities told him he should end his hunger strike so that they bring him a doctor to check up on him,” Abdullah said. Sherwani had also been barred from contacting his family and lawyers for two weeks before managing to communicate again on Tuesday.

The signatories called on the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the Council of Ministers and the Independent Human Rights Commission to address his legal and humanitarian situation.

Sherwani began his hunger strike on April 22, Kurdish Journalism Day, protesting what he describes as continued violations of his legal rights in prison, including denial of temporary leave, refusal of conditional release measures and restrictions on communication.

An investigative journalist from Akre known for reporting on corruption, governance and public protests in the Bahdinan area of the Kurdistan Region, Sherwani was arrested in 2020 in the case widely known as the “Bahdinan prisoners” case. Kurdish and international press freedom organizations including the Committee to Protect Journalists, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders have repeatedly described the legal proceedings against him as politically motivated.

He was originally expected to be released in 2023 after completing an earlier sentence that was reduced by presidential decree, but additional charges filed shortly before his scheduled release extended his imprisonment. In 2025 he received yet another sentence, a case his lawyers and rights groups said lacked due process.