Skip to main content

Written question asked by Nadia Whittome (Labour) on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. It was answered by Hamish Falconer (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 September 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


Iraq: Political Prisoners

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq on the detention of journalists Sherwan Sherwani and Omed Baroshki.

Answer

In August, officials from our Consulate General in Erbil attended the trial of Sherwan Sherwani. This sent a clear signal that the UK Government is closely monitoring the situation and remains engaged in advocating for due process and media freedom.

Freedoms of expression, media and association are key parts of the democratic process. Journalists in the Kurdistan Region must be able to operate without fear of harassment, detention, or violence.

The UK, alongside international partners, will continue to raise these issues with the Kurdistan Regional Government and press for accountability and reform.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
71439
Session
2024-26
Related items
Omed Baroshki and Sherwan Sherwani
Tuesday, 21 October 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Iraq Political prisoners Kurds Sherwani, Sherwan Baroshki, Omed
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk