SECURITY forces linked to Iraqi Kurdistan’s ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) detained another opposition journalist in Duhok province in northern Iraq today as press freedom in the region becomes increasingly limited.

Qaraman Shukri was taken to an unknown location following the raid, during which equipment was taken, including his computer, his uncle reported.

Mr Shukri worked for KNN, a media organisation associated with the opposition Gorran Movement. He had previously been detained last June while covering protests at the killing of four civilians during Turkish air strikes, eventually being released after five months behind bars.

It is not yet clear whether he has been charged with any offences following his latest arrest.

The KDP has seriously curbed press freedom, particularly during a brutal clampdown on anti-government protests in December when opposition media organisations, including NRT TV, were shut down.

Last year saw at least 385 violations against journalists, including assaults, arrests and threats, according to the Media Centre for Journalists’ Rights and Advocacy.