December 4th, 2025: Metro Center is concerned about the campaign against Tariq Fatih, the owner of Hawlati newspaper, because of his opinion. A fundamental distinction must be made between legitimate criticism and defamation, slander, insults and threats.

After the publication of an audio interview between journalist Qadir Nadir and the owner of Hawlati newspaper, the personality and human dignity of the owner of Hawlati newspaper has been insulted by letters, comments and calls from unknown numbers.

The interview, which was published by journalist Qadir Nadir on social networks, was published with the full consent of the owner of Hawlati newspaper, and he himself shared it on Hawlati's page.

Hawlati newspaper, which is part of the history of Kurdistan journalism and many prominent and talented journalists with a clean past have worked in it, consider it as part of their history. Some of them have published critical articles. Therefore, they have the right to reject the positions of the owners of Hawlati newspaper.

Metro Center states, "we are in favor of democratic dialogue on such issues, but the dignity of all individuals must be respected (Tariq Fatih) not defamation, insults and insulting language that has become a culture on social networks.”

According to international human rights standards, and in particular Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantees the right of everyone to freedom of opinion and expression.

Differences of opinion are a healthy phenomenon in any living society. It is your right to differ with Tariq Fatih, editor of Hawlati newspaper, but respect the dignity of all individuals. 

We call for an end to the insulting campaign against our colleague. We emphasize that democratic criticism and discussion are welcome, but we reject defamation, insults, insulting language and threats.