Rudaw recently published two articles about the same incident, a fire at an Ezidi camp, but the two accounts are not the same. In addition, the Turkish version refers to the Ezidis as “Ezidi Kurds,” while the English version uses simply “Yazidi.” From the standpoint of journalistic standards, ethics, and morality, is this acceptable? Should truth be subject to language or audience manipulation?
The deeper question is: when will this political manipulation stop? Why continue twisting the truth about Ezidis, their religion, language and history, while pretending to be neutral reporters? Why is there this persistent obsession with Ezidis, instead of focusing on real issues that matter to all communities?
We also ask fellow journalists, media outlets, and the wider public: what do you think Kurdish politicians are trying to accomplish through the media? What is the motive behind these distortions, the selective framing, and the repeated focus on Ezidis?
Ezidis deserve reporting that is honest, factual, and free of political agendas. Their identity, religion, and history should be respected; not twisted, politicized, or used as a tool for broader political aims. It is time for media outlets like Rudaw to stop the manipulation and start reporting the truth.
