Erbil, Baghdad among worst Iraqi cities for journalist violations: advocacy

BAGHDAD,— Iraq and Kurdistan region has seen a disturbing rise in violations against journalists, with numerous attacks reported throughout 2024, according to the Press Freedom Advocacy Association in Iraq.

The group’s annual report highlights the severe deterioration of press freedoms in the country, as media professionals face increasing harassment and violence, often from government institutions and security agencies.

The report documents a range of violations, including assassinations, physical assaults, bans on coverage, arrest warrants, and job terminations. Journalists also faced threats, raids, lawsuits, and the blocking of their websites.

In many cases, these violations were carried out by government bodies acting beyond their legal boundaries, with security agencies often employing aggressive tactics that mirrored those used by police forces.

According to the Press Freedom Advocacy Association, these actions are sometimes directed by senior security officials or stem from decisions made by individual officers.

Authoritarian forces have also targeted journalists by shielding the perpetrators of violence from accountability and exploiting the judicial system. Defamation lawsuits, often based on outdated laws, have been used to silence reporters who expose corruption.

The Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, which is meant to protect journalists’ rights, has also been implicated in repressing the media. The Syndicate has filed lawsuits against reporters, revoked media licenses, and imposed restrictions on media outlets. In some instances, the organization has instructed government bodies to block cooperation with journalists critical of its leadership.

The report also points to the continued impunity of armed factions that raid media outlets and vandalize equipment. Despite calls for action, the government’s failure to protect media institutions has allowed these factions to operate without consequence. Some independent bodies have aligned themselves with these factions, further worsening the situation.

In total, there were 457 violations recorded in 2024, including 5 journalist deaths, 1 critical injury, and numerous cases of harassment and obstruction. The Press Freedom Advocacy Association detailed the following violations:

5 journalists killed, 1 critically injured
23 cases of detention
11 arrests
7 armed attacks
280 cases of obstruction of coverage
17 physical assaults
68 lawsuits filed against journalists
17 violations by the Communications and Media Commission
9 news websites, TV programs, and journalist accounts blocked
7 violations by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate
2 direct threats to journalists
10 other violations

The report also highlights May as the month with the highest number of violations, totaling 82 cases. April followed with 58 cases. Erbil and Baghdad were the hardest-hit cities, with 103 and 100 violations, respectively. Sulaimani recorded 58 violations.

These ongoing violations underscore the dangerous environment faced by journalists in Iraq and Kurdistan region, where the threat of violence, legal action, and censorship continues to hinder the free flow of information.

As the country grapples with corruption and other pressing issues, journalists remain at significant risk as they attempt to expose the truth.

Attacks on journalists and media workers have become widespread in the Iraqi Kurdistan eegion, even though laws and the constitution guarantee freedom of expression and press. In areas controlled by the Barzani family, Kurdish journalists continue to face harsh treatment, with many serving long prison sentences.

(With files from Press Freedom Advocacy Association in Iraq | pfaa-iq.com)