“The world has opened up. Why is it that until now some of the Kurdish media outlets can’t officially work [here]? I call for Rudaw [to be allowed] to return to Rojava. They are most welcome here,” he told a crowd in Rojava on Tuesday.
Khaznawi hails from a revered family. His father, also an influential figure, was murdered by the collapsed regime of Bashar al-Assad.
Rojava authorities in February 2022 suspended Rudaw’s work license, accusing it of spreading hatred and negatively portraying the Kurdish enclave’s institutions - a claim strongly denied by the media outlet.
Rudaw deemed the decision political, saying it was a violation of the freedom of press.
“Rudaw Media Network considers this a political decision and a crime against freedom of the press in Western Kurdistan. Rudaw Media Network operates very professionally and complies with regulations everywhere. The decision by the Autonomous Administration lacks legal grounds and is coming from thin political and partisan considerations,” said Rudaw in a statement following the ban.
The suspension was criticized by press freedom organizations, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
The authorities also suspended a Rudaw reporter for two months in 2020 for allegedly disrespecting “martyrs and their families.”
Khanzawi is also an outspoken defender of Kurdish rights. Living in diaspora for years, he has recently returned to Rojava to give public speeches and encourage Kurds and their leaders to be united as Syria is going through historical changes following the recent takeover of the country by rebels and an escalation of tensions between the Kurdish fighters and Turkey-backed militants.
He also called on the Rojava administration to release prisoners, especially Kurds.
“My first plea is directed to the administration. I beg you to empty the jails for the sake of our brotherhood and success of our agreement and to prevent the enemy [from harming us] and bring joy to mothers and children. Release the prisoners! Do not let mothers cry! Do not let children cry! Do not let women wait for their husbands! It is a shame and a disgrace for a Kurd to be imprisoned by another Kurd,” he said.
“By God, it is a shame! For God’s sake, for the sake of this nation, try to bring them happiness, send their [jailed] children back home,” he added.
