FEARS have been raised over the health of hunger-striking political prisoners in Iraqi Kurdistan who authorities are refusing to release despite their having served their sentences. 

The so-called Badinan activists include more than 80 journalists, trade unionists and campaigners detained for participation in protests demanding payment of salaries and an end to government corruption. 

Community Peacemakers Team Iraqi Kurdistan, who have monitored the court hearings of those detained, urged the Kurdistan Regional Government to release them immediately.