With the outbreak of the second wave of Coronavirus in Kurdistan province in recent weeks, which is much wider than the first wave, Kurdish civil and media activists have criticised the performance of provincial officials in the online channels and media.
Following the rise of these criticisms, the Baneh governor’s office has sent a letter to the prosecutor and called for a crackdown on critics of the government’s performance and provincial officials, especially media activists, informed sources told the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN).A well-informed source in Baneh has told KHRN that “on Thursday, June 18, 2020, security officers arrested Ibrahim Shooriani (Shorash), the director of the “Voice of the People of Baneh”, at his home following his coverage of Covid-19 spread in Baneh in recent days and criticism of the city’s officials.”
Although the activist was released on bail a day later until his trial, security officers confiscated his computer and cell phone, and the telegram channel has now been deactivated.