PM:03:03:19/08/2025
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The Metro Center for Journalists’ Rights and Advocacy called on Tuesday for the Erbil Court of Appeal to overturn the recent prison sentence against activist and journalist Sherwan Sherwani, stressing that his trial failed to meet fair trial standards and was influenced by political interference.
On Tuesday, the Kesnazan Court sentenced Sherwani to four years and six months in prison. His lawyer, Mohammed Abdullah, said the ruling was issued without any conclusive evidence, describing the case as "illegal and interfered with from outside the court.”
Sherwani has faced multiple convictions in recent years. In February 2021, he and four other activists were sentenced to six years in prison under Article 156 of the Iraqi Penal Code. On July 20, 2023, the Erbil District Court again sentenced him to four years in prison under Articles 298 and related provisions.
Although the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) president issued an amnesty that should have led to Sherwani’s release in March this year, a new case was opened against him, keeping him in detention.
The Metro Center reiterated its demand for justice and urged the judiciary to ensure impartiality and independence in reviewing Sherwani’s case.