Kawa Garmyani
Killed: 5 December 2013
Kawa was a fearless journalist known for exposing government corruption, especially within the PUK. He published articles revealing land theft, bribery, and abuse by high-ranking officials. Just days after threatening to release more evidence, he was shot in front of his mother outside his home in Kalar. No one has been punished for his murder. His death was a message from those in power: stay silent or be silenced.
Sardasht Osman
Killed: 4 May 2010
Sardasht was a university student and freelance journalist who dared to speak out against the Barzani family and the KDP. His writing was bold, sharp, and unafraid — even when he knew it put him at risk. After publishing articles exposing corruption and mocking the lavish lives of Kurdish leaders, he was kidnapped in broad daylight outside his university. His tortured body was found the next day. No one was held responsible. His death was a brutal warning to every young Kurd: questioning power comes with a price.
Jihan Taha
Killed: October 2020
Jihan was a women’s rights advocate who spoke out against gender-based violence and the government’s failure to protect women. She exposed the tribal systems that shield abusers and demanded justice for the many women who had been killed or abused. Shortly after posting a video calling out the silence of the authorities, she was found dead. Her case, like many others, was quickly closed. Her death was not just a loss — it was a message to every woman fighting for change.
Soran Mama Hama
Killed: Remembered in 2024 protest
Soran was an investigative journalist who exposed police corruption, drug trafficking, and mafia ties within security forces. His reporting threatened powerful people — and they made sure he paid the price. He was killed outside his home, and despite public outrage, no arrests were made. Over a decade later, the silence around his death still echoes loudly. Protesters in 2024 gathered once again to remind the world that his killers are free — and justice has never come.
Sherwan Sherwani
Imprisoned: 2020 | Still detained in 2025
Sherwan was a well-known journalist arrested for publishing articles critical of the KRG and speaking out about human rights abuses. He was imprisoned under false charges, tortured, and denied a fair trial. He became a symbol of the Kurdish government's crackdown on freedom of speech. Despite global condemnation, he remains behind bars — punished not for a crime, but for telling the truth.
They Spoke the Truth – And Paid the Price
These are the names and faces of those who dared to speak out against the corruption, violence, and injustice caused by the Kurdish authorities — and were silenced for it. Journalists, teachers, students, and activists. Their only crime was telling the truth. Some were gunned down in the streets. Others were tortured, imprisoned, or simply disappeared. Their stories remind us that freedom of speech in Kurdistan comes at a deadly cost. We honour their courage, and we refuse to let their voices be forgotten.
Hersh Omar
Killed: 2020
Hersh was a peaceful protester who stood up against injustice in the streets of Kurdistan. He was calling for basic rights — dignity, education, and fair treatment. But the government responded with bullets. Hersh was shot and killed during a demonstration. No one was punished. His death is one of many that shows the regime would rather kill than listen.
Hassan Abdulrahman
Killed: 14 July 2025
Hassan Abdulrahman, a devoted father from Sernaws village, was protesting peacefully when security forces linked to the KDP opened fire. He was shot and killed in cold blood. His family and the community demand justice, but the government has yet to act.
Wedat Hussein Ali
Killed: 14 August 2016
Wedat was a journalist working for the PKK-aligned Roj News Agency. He was kidnapped in Duhok—a KDP stronghold—and later found dead on the road. Reports show clear signs of torture. The KDP's intelligence agency, Parastin, had previously threatened him after his refusal to collaborate. His killing highlights the extremes of state betrayal and political control.
Remembering the Fallen
Honoring those silenced for truth. We strive to keep their memories alive and advocate for justice and accountability.
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Voices of Courage
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