Pire: PUK Played Key Role in Kurdish Journalism Development

PUKMEDIA

PUK Spokesperson Saadi Ahmed Pire, AEJ President Arber Hitaj, former AEJ President Saia Tsaousidou,

The Spokesperson of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), reaffirmed that the PUK has consistently supported journalists and played a key role in the development of Kurdish journalism during his reception of a delegation from the International Association of European Journalists (AEJ) at the PUK Political Bureau's headquarters in Erbil on Monday, 21 April 2025.

PUK Spokesperson Saadi Ahmed Pire received a delegation from the AEJ, which included AEJ President Arber Hitaj, Former AEJ President Saia Tsaousidou, Journalist and member of the AEJ Pshtiwan Jaf, and Hozan Qadir, President of the Reporters Organisation for Rights & Developments (RORD).

Pire stated during the meeting: "Tomorrow is the 127th anniversary of the publication of the first issue of the Kurdistan newspaper, founded by exiled intellectual Miqdad Madhat Badrkhan."

“I extend my sincere congratulations to all Kurdish journalists in Kurdistan and around the world who continue to serve the media sector with dedication, and who contribute to the advancement of freedom and democracy,” he stated.

"The PUK has consistently supported journalists and played a key role in the development of Kurdish journalism," he affirmed. “The journey toward democracy and freedom begins with press freedom and the free expression of diverse opinions.” 

Moreover, Pire said: "The PUK remains committed to upholding the principle of “bread and freedom” for intellectuals and journalists, in line with the vision and legacy of President Mam Jalal. This enduring belief has consistently fostered an environment of greater freedom wherever the PUK has been active."

He added: "Since its founding, the PUK has championed press freedom and will continue to support independent media by expanding the conditions necessary for a free and responsible press. This commitment is rooted in the belief that a vibrant media sector is essential to the democratic process, and that Kurdish journalism plays a vital role in preserving Kurdish culture and serving the people of Kurdistan."

AEJ President Hitaj expressed gratitude to Pire for the warm reception and announced the forthcoming establishment of a monitoring centre in the Kurdistan Region. 

He stated that the centre, to be operated by RORD as the AEJ’s representative body, will focus on monitoring freedom of expression and press freedom throughout the Kurdistan Region.

It is noteworthy that every year, Kurdish journalists and people across Kurdistan celebrate Kurdish Journalism Day on 22 April to commemorate the publication of the first Kurdish newspaper, ‘Kurdistan’. 



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