Iraqi Kurdish journalist Jutiar Rasul, a reporter for Paytaxt Media, was detained on April 28, 2026, by the Kurdistan Region Security Agency (Asayish) in Koya, Erbil province. He was released on April 30 after nearly 52 hours in custody in Sulaymaniyah, according to statements from both the outlet and Rasul himself.
Rasul told CPJ that he was on his way to cover the third anniversary of protests in the Smaquli area of Koya, where residents had demonstrated over a lack of public services, when he was stopped at a checkpoint.
“I was stopped by security forces at the Smaqulli checkpoint. They confiscated my two mobile phones and my journalistic equipment, and denied me any contact with my family until I was released,” he said.
“I was taken to the Asayish headquarters in Sulaymaniyah and placed in solitary confinement. I was forced to unlock my two phones. I initially refused, but they threatened me, and I had no choice. They searched both devices.”
“They questioned me about why I work for Paytaxt Media, why it publishes certain reports, and about my previous work as a reporter for Zoom News TV and NRT TV.”
“They released me without charge and without explaining the reason for my arrest. I was required to sign a document stating that I was being released on bail of one million Iraqi dinars (approximately $750),” he added. His two mobile phones, a camera, a microphone, and his car remained in the custody of the security forces.
CPJ contacted Karzan Sherko, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region Security Agency (Asayish), via a messaging app and he refused to comment.