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May 09, 2026 – Kurdistan/Iraq –
The health condition of detained Kurdish journalist Serwan Serwani has reportedly worsened in prison, according to recent statements by lawmakers and reporting from Kurdish media outlets, raising renewed concerns about the treatment of imprisoned journalists and long-term detention conditions.
According to a report by ANF News and related updates, Serwani’s condition has significantly declined while he remains in custody, where he has been serving a lengthy sentence for several years. Lawmakers who recently visited him stated that he appears physically weakened and continues to suffer from deteriorating health while incarcerated.
During the prison visit, the lawmakers said Serwani described his imprisonment as unjust and highlighted ongoing concerns about his medical condition. They noted that he has been on a hunger strike for several days, which has further worsened his physical state and increased fears about potential long-term health consequences if his condition is not addressed.
Serwani reportedly made two main requests during the visit: to be transferred to a prison closer to Sulaymaniyah and to be granted temporary home leave in accordance with legal provisions that, according to his supporters, have been applied to other inmates in similar situations. His supporters argue that these requests are based on both humanitarian and legal grounds.
The lawmakers who met him publicly urged prison authorities and relevant institutions to respond to his demands, stressing that his health condition requires urgent attention. They also described his continued detention under current conditions as unjust, calling for improved access to medical care and reassessment of his imprisonment status.
Press freedom and human rights advocates have previously raised concerns about Serwani’s case, citing broader issues affecting journalists in detention, including long sentences, limited access to healthcare, and allegations of unfair trials. His case has been referenced in wider discussions about press freedom in the Kurdistan region and Iraq, where journalists have at times faced prosecution related to their reporting activities.
Advocates warn that prolonged imprisonment combined with hunger strikes can lead to rapid and irreversible health deterioration, particularly when medical monitoring and treatment are inconsistent. They have called for increased transparency regarding his condition and for independent medical assessments to be conducted.
The situation continues to draw attention from local political figures and media rights groups, who argue that Serwani’s health and legal status reflect broader challenges faced by journalists in detention across the region, particularly those involved in politically sensitive reporting.
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