The Kurdistan Security Agency has filed charges against Mr Karzan Karim, one of its employees assigned to the VIP lounge of Erbil International Airport (EIA) as a security officer, for misconduct and breach of trust as a security officer.

The ongoing investigation against him is based on his conduct as an officer of the region’s security agency, and we call on those reporting on this case to understand the charges and not distort the facts.

According to the regulations of the Kurdistan Region Security Agency, which are similar to those of other agencies across the world, all employees of the agency should abide by and conform to its policies and regulations to ensure the well-being of our people and the reputation and credibility of the organisation. Suspicious behaviour, concerns and complaints should be raised through appropriate channels and the correct line of management within the organisation, while unethical behaviour should be avoided.

Following an act of misconduct and a breach of trust on the part of Mr Karim as a security officer, the authorities in Kurdistan presented supporting evidence to a judge, who issued an arrest warrant for Mr Karim. Pursuant to the laws of Kurdistan, Mr Karim is provided with the normal protection afforded to those in custody.

However, the Kurdistan Regional Government has been accused of filing charges against Mr Karim due to his reporting activities on the internet and for posting critical articles about corruption.

There are hundreds of articles published daily in Kurdistan that are critical of the authorities and the leadership without any fear of retribution due to the freedoms journalists enjoy under the Journalism Law. This law provides protection for the work and freedoms of journalists in Kurdistan.

The Kurdistan Regional Government stresses that the case against Mr Karim is related to his conduct as an officer of the security agency and his failure to conform to the policies and regulations of the agency while in post.

The Kurdistan Regional Government calls on those following or reporting this case not to distort or misrepresent the facts. The courts will investigate the charges against Mr Karim and they will issue their ruling accordingly.

Kurdistan Security Agency