At least 33 journalists and civil society activists have been taken into custody in Duhok region of Southern Kurdistan, Northern Iraq during the past two months.

According to RojNews, the wave of arrests by the asayish (local security) forces of the ruling KDP (Kurdistan Democratic Party) has mainly affected the areas of Duhok city centre, Sheladize, Amadiya, Akra and Zakho.

The report says that KDP asayish mainly storm houses as they carry out operations to arrest civil society activists and journalists.

One of the those arrested is journalist Qehraman Shukri who was arrested in Duhok on June 27 and remains in custody since.

Most of those detained have been held in prison for months and have not appeared in court yet.

During a protest demonstration in Zakho city last week, 16 drivers have been taken into custody.