Journalist attacked and beaten by security Forces in Erbil

Ibrahim Abbas , journalist, was beaten by security dressed persons in Erbil where he sustained various injuries and fractures. He said that the force was composed of five people. They attacked him on his way home and badly beaten him confirming that the attack was imposed by former president Barazani allies. He was accordingly hospitalized in the Emergency center in Erbil, doctors confirmed that fractures were diagnosed in his left leg and right arm. Abbas is a free-lance journalist, and is a blogger, he publishes his articles on his personal page where he recently criticized Barazani and his family.
On May 3rd, 2017, he was also detained for about three days by Erbil security forces before being released.
Press Freedom Advocacy Association in Iraq condemns the escalating violence that press personnel are subjected to, especially in Erbil Kurdistan and calls all related international Organizations to interfere to save what remains of freedom of expression in the country.