11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Self-censorship due to fear of reprisals; restrictions of media ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23676]

"The constitution broadly provides for the right of free expression, provided it does not violate public order and morality. Despite this protection of freedom of expression, the law provides, if authorized by the prime minister, for fines or a term of imprisonment not exceeding seven years for any person who publicly insults the national assembly, the government, or public authorities. In practice the main limitation on the exercise of these rights was self-censorship due to fear of reprisals by insurgent and sectarian forces.

The law prohibits reporters from publishing stories that defame public officials. Many in the media complained that these provisions prevented them from freely practicing their trade by creating strong fears of persecution. There was widespread self-censorship.

The law restricts media organizations from incitement to violence and civil disorder, and expressing support for the banned Ba'ath Party or for "alterations to Iraq's borders by violent means.""

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Restrictions of freedom of expression by government actions in 2007 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23677]

"The government acted to restrict freedom of expression in some circumstances. For example, on January 2, the government ordered the closure of the independent Al-Sharkiya satellite television channel for reporting false news and inciting sectarianism in connection to its coverage of Saddam Hussein's execution. Interior ministry spokesperson Abdul Karim Khalaf declined to specify which particular reports were false. The channel continued to broadcast from Dubai.

On February 25, interior ministry forces arrested 11 media workers at the Baghdad offices of Wasan Media and charged them with inciting terror. They had supplied video footage of a controversial interview with Sabrine al-Janabi, a citizen allegedly raped by police officers in February, to the Al-Jazeera satellite news television channel which continued to be banned from operating in the country. Wasan Media officials denied the accusations. On August 7, a judge dismissed the charges, and nine of the 11 media workers were released. Two remained imprisoned on charges of possessing unlicensed weapons at year's end."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Political pressure on media workers and outlets ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23783]

"Media workers often reported that politicians pressured them not to publish articles criticizing the government. There were numerous accounts of intimidation, threats, and harassment of the media by government or partisan officials. The threat of legal action was actively used against media workers.In December cameraman Adnan Haseeb alleged he had been arrested on March 8 while on assignment with Al-Hurriya television in the International Zone, briefly detained at the prime minister's office, accused of working with insurgents and being involved in a bombing, beaten during interrogations, and then released without explanation in November. Before his detention, Haseeb was the cameraman for Al-Makshouf (Exposed), a weekly television talk show which covers citizen grievances against the government.

Also in December journalist Faeq al-Oqabi reported leaving his former employer, the state-funded Al-Iraqiya television station, because it wanted to censor his show due to pressure from the government. On December 18, a group of journalists, some working for foreign news organizations, were accompanying police officials in Karbala to report on security measures in the city when they were brutally beaten by guards in the passing convoy of a political leader.

Print publications and broadcast media were a primary source of news and public discourse in the KRG provinces; however, almost all media outlets were controlled or funded by the major political parties and followed party lines in their publications and broadcasts."

Document(s): Open document

06.2007 - Source: Freedom House

Freedom of expression and the media ("Freedom in the World 2007") [ID 20736]

"Freedom of expression is protected by the constitution and generally respected by the authorities. However, it has been seriously impeded by sectarian tensions and fear of violent reprisals. Over a dozen private television stations are in operation. Although most are affiliated with particular religious or political groups, the nonpartisan station Al-Sharqiya is the most widely watched. Major Arab satellite stations are easily accessible, as roughly one-third of Iraqi families own a satellite dish. More than 150 print publications have been established since 2003 and are allowed to operate without significant government interference. Internet access is not restricted by the authorities, but only about 0.1 percent of the population has access. [...]

A new set of laws passed in 2006 criminalizes the ridicule of public officials, and a number of Iraqi journalists have been charged with the offense. The Qatar-based Al-Jazeera satellite television station has been banned from working in the country since August 2004 for violating CPA Order 14, which prohibits media organizations from publishing or broadcasting material that incites violence or civil disorder. Al-Arabiya, an Arab satellite station based in Dubai, was suspended from working in Iraq for one month in 2006 on charges of inciting sectarianism and violence."

Document(s): Open document

02.01.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

TV studio shut down after showing footage of Saddam Hussein mourners ("TV studio shut down for "incitement to violence" after showing footage of Saddam mourners") [ID 20202]

"The Iraqi authorities already ordered the closure, on 5 November 2006, of TV stations al-Zaura and Salah-Eddin for showing footage of demonstrators brandishing pictures of the former president and protesting at his death sentence. Both stations were accused of inciting sectarian violence and have still not been allowed to resume broadcasting."

Document(s): Open document

12.12.2006 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Media allowed to cover parliamentary sessions again, but placed under surveillance; APTN cameraman shot dead in Mosul ("Media allowed to cover parliamentary sessions again, but placed under surveillance; APTN cameraman shot dead in Mosul ") [ID 18067]

Document(s): Open document

08.11.2006 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Journalists are facing not only violence but also many restrictions in the course of their work ("Asked about restrictions, violence against media, President Talabani insists Iraqi journalists are freest in Middle East") [ID 19241]

"Reporters Without Borders pointed out that journalists are facing not only violence but also many restrictions in the course of their work. Journalists, mostly Iraqi ones, have been subjected to curbs on their freedom of movement and professional freedom, including bans on filming religious festivities, the army or police, and members of parliament."

Document(s): Open document

06.11.2006 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

2 TV stations closed for showing Iraqis protesting against death sentence for Saddam ("Two TV stations closed for showing Iraqis protesting against death sentence for Saddam") [ID 19242]

Document(s): Open document

06.11.2006 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

2 Iraqi satellite channels ordered closed in aftermath of death sentence against Saddam Hussein ("Two Iraqi channels ordered closed in aftermath of Saddam verdict") [ID 19243]

Document(s): Open document

29.05.2005 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Iraqi journalists complain of censorship ("original document (English)") [ID 10117]

"Iraqi journalists say they are being censored by the US-led Coalition forces and the Iraqi government because of the topics covered by them in newspapers and on television. The Iraqi Association of Journalists (IAJ) said they have been accused of collaborating with insurgents after trying to report on both sides of the ongoing conflict. Based on the IAJ information, eight journalists have been detained since March 2005 by US forces, accused of being a security risk to the Iraqi people and the military. (...)"

Document(s): original document (English)

03.05.2005 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Iraq - Annual report 2005 ("Annual report 2005") [#31780],  [ID 10118]

Document(s): Open document

05.11.2004 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Iraq: Journalists remain targets of militants ("original document") [ID 10119]

"The killing of foreign journalists in Iraq has received much coverage in the Western media in recent months, but militants have also increasingly targeted Iraqi and Arab journalists working in the country. No less than 10 Iraqi and Arab journalists working in Iraq were killed in October in the latest string of attacks.

Iraqi Kurdish journalist Nasrallah al-Dawudi was found dead in Baghdad on 31 October. He was the editor of an Arabic-language newspaper, "Al-Iraq," under the Hussein regime. Al-Dawudi disappeared on 27 October after being invited to a Ramadan evening meal, Reuters reported on 1 November. His kidnappers contacted the family demanding a high ransom for his safe return. The family reportedly could not meet the demand, and al-Dawudi's bullet-ridden body was found days later in the Iraqi capital.

Last week, unknown militants gunned down Iraqi broadcaster Liqa Abd al-Razzaq and three of her companions in a Baghdad taxi, according to media reports. Abd al-Razzaq was well-known to Iraqis as the broadcaster for Al-Sharqiyah television's "Sahafah" (Press) program and as a newsreader, Al-Sharqiyah reported. She previously worked for the Iraqi state-run media under the Hussein regime as a broadcaster with domestic Iraqi television and with the Iraqi Satellite Channel. Abd al-Razzaq was reportedly also under contract with U.S.-supported Al-Iraqiyah television. Militants gunned down Abd al-Razzaq's husband two months ago for reportedly working with the U.S. military. Abd al-Razzaq left behind a newborn daughter and six-year-old son.

On 15 October, Iraqi photographer Karam Husayn, who worked for the European Pressphoto Agency, was assassinated by militants outside his Mosul home. One day earlier, Dina Muhammad Hassan, a correspondent for Al-Hurriyah television, which is owned by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, was gunned down in front of her home in the Iraqi capital. The International Federation of Journalists (http://www.ifj.org) reported on 18 October that Hassan had received unspecified threats to stop working for Al-Hurriyah and was warned to wear a hijab, or Islamic head scarf.

One of the boldest attacks on journalists in recent months was the 30 October car bombing of the Baghdad office of Dubai-based Al-Arabiyah television. A group identifying itself as the Jihadist Martyrs Brigade in Iraq claimed responsibility for the bombing, which killed seven staff members, and injured at least a dozen employees. In a statement posted on the Internet, the group said that the channel was targeted "after much hesitation" due to its excessive praise of the interim government led by Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, Beirut's Al-Manar television reported on 31 October. The group called the bombing an "ultimatum," adding that it's next attack would be a "quality operation." The group also threatened to attack media agencies and television channels based outside Iraq should they fail to meet what it called "balanced" reporting -- meaning the media should present the militants' view in their reporting. The statement added that the militants intended to kidnap journalists and slaughter them like sheep if they continued to reflect the view of the U.S. "occupiers" in their reporting.

The organization Reporters Without Borders listed Iraq as the most dangerous country in the world for journalists in its "Third Annual Worldwide Press Freedom Index" issued on 26 October (http://www.rsf.org). The organization's website keeps a detailed list of Iraqi and foreign journalists killed in Iraq, that includes documentation on the killing of more than 40 Western reporters targeted over the past 19 months. While some of the deaths were the result of ongoing hostilities in the country, other deaths were the result of targeted killings. Italian freelance journalist Enzo Baldoni was kidnapped and killed by his captors on 26 August after seven days in captivity. The militant group Islamic Army in Iraq had demanded that Italy withdraw its troops from Iraq, a request that the Italian government refused to meet.

Meanwhile, two French journalists kidnapped in Iraq in late August remain unaccounted for. French Ambassador to Iraq Bernard Bajolet said on 1 November that the journalists are alive and reportedly in good health, Al-Jazeera television reported. Bajolet based his comments on information received from a Sunni organization, the Muslim Scholars Association, which reportedly has contacts with the kidnappers, who have demanded that France reverse its law banning Muslim girls from wearing head scarves in school.

The targeting of journalists working in Iraq appears to be part of a concerted effort by militants to effect control over the media and how it reports the events taking place there. The Al-Arabiyah bombing provides the clearest view on the agenda of militants. The journalists targeted by and large represent news organizations that are to varying degrees critical of the terrorism taking place in Iraq today -- or conversely, supportive, to varying degrees, of the U.S.-backed Allawi government.

The possibility cannot be discounted that others are perhaps victims of the continuous bloodletting of Iraqi professionals -- doctors, lawyers, professors, and businessmen -- that have routinely been the targets of assassins in recent months. Whichever the case may be, the effect will be the same. Much of the country already remains closed to journalists, who reportedly don't venture far from their bases inside the Iraqi capital because of the security risks. The continued targeting of journalists will only further inhibit the media's ability to cover Iraq and threatens to reverse the development of the burgeoning Iraqi media since the fall of the Hussein regime. (Kathleen Ridolfo)"

Document(s): original document

05.11.2004 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Fallujah: Militants forced four Arabic-language media outlets out ("original document") [ID 10120]

"U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a press statement on 3 November (http://www.centcom.mil) citing a report that appeared in the London-based "Al-Quds al-Arabi" reporting that militants have forced four Arabic-language media outlets out of Al-Fallujah in recent days. The press release states that Al-Arabiyah television, the Lebanese Broadcasting Company (LBC), Al-Iraqiyah television, and Middle East Broadcasting Company were forced to leave Al-Fallujah by militants who claimed the media outlets' coverage was biased in favor of multinational forces. The news outlets had reportedly refused to air stock footage provided by the militants who depicted alleged civilian casualties. Reporters from Al-Arabiyah and MBC told coalition officials that correspondents in the city were threatened and said some correspondents had left the city for safety reasons. (Kathleen Ridolfo)"

Document(s): original document

19.10.2004 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Since hostilities began in March 2003, 35 journalists and 13 media workers have been killed ("Journalists in Danger: Facts on Iraq") [#26566],  [ID 10121]

Document(s): Open document

10.09.2004 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

INTERIM GOVERNMENT EXTENDS BAN ON AL-JAZEERA ("original document") [ID 10122]

"INTERIM GOVERNMENT EXTENDS BAN ON AL-JAZEERA. The Iraqi interim government extended indefinitely a one-month ban on Doha-based Al-Jazeera television just two days before the ban was to expire, the satellite news channel reported on 4 September.

The ministerial committee for national security in Iraq reportedly decided to extend the closure after Al-Jazeera failed to present a written explanation for what the government termed as seeking opinions against the Iraqi people and interim government. The committee issued a statement that also said that Al-Jazeera exceeded the proper boundaries in its broadcasts from inside Iraq by holding exclusive interviews in violation of the one-month ban. Al-Jazeera's coverage of events inside Iraq over the past month has not appeared to have been affected by the ban.

Al-Jazeera lawyer Haydar al-Mulla said in a 4 September telephone interview from Baghdad that 10 officers from the Interior Ministry and over 30 policemen stormed the news channel's Baghdad offices that day to inspect the premises and seal the offices to prevent employees from entering. Al-Mulla said that Al-Jazeera acted on the advice of Prime Minister Allawi's office and met with Ibrahim al-Janabi, head of the National Media and Communications Commission, to discuss the closure on 2 September. He described that meeting as "positive" and expressed surprise at the subsequent closure."

Document(s): original document

09.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

40 journalists and media assistants killed since March 2003 ("40 journalists and media assistants killed since the start of fighting in Iraq, two still missing") [#25489],  [ID 10123]

Document(s): Open document

27.08.2004 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Iraq: Journalists prevented from covering stories, arrested, detained, disappeared, kidnapped, abducted, ("original document") [ID 10124]

"Iraq is proving to be a difficult place to work for even the most seasoned journalist. Several journalists have disappeared or been taken hostage in recent days; A French-American journalist and his interpreter were kidnapped on 13 August by Shi'ite militiamen in Al-Nasiriyah. The men were released from captivity on 22 August after an aide to Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr intervened (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 24 August 2004).

Meanwhile, Al-Jazeera television reported on 26 August that Italian journalist Endo Baldoni has been executed by militants holding him captive in Iraq. Baldoni was taken hostage on 19 August; his interpreter, who was traveling with him when he was abducted, was earlier found dead. The Islamic Army in Iraq had issued a statement on 22 August demanding that the Italian government withdraw its forces from Iraq; Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi refused to meet the demand. The militant group sent a videotaped statement to Al-Jazeera that purportedly depicts the execution. The group said that it executed Baldoni following a verdict by what it termed its religious court. Al-Jazeera did not broadcast the videotape out of consideration for Baldoni's family.

Reporters Without Borders reported on 23 August that two other journalists are missing in Iraq: Christian Chesnot of Radio France Internationale, and Georges Malbrunot of the French dailies "Le Figaro" and "Ouest France." According to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), neither man has been heard from since 19 August. British journalist James Brandon was taken hostage by al-Sadr militiamen in Al-Basrah on 12 August, when some 30 gunmen stormed his hotel room while he was sleeping. He was released after 15 hours in captivity after al-Sadr representatives intervened, Sky News reported on 13 August.

"The numbers of foreign journalists missing are rising, and we fear that journalists are now becoming the No. 1 target of armed militants," IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said in a statement posted on the federation's website (http://www.ifj.org).

As if the recent targeting of journalists was not enough to contend with, the interim government has also placed a number of obstacles in front of journalists that threaten to prevent the flow of free information.

As the standoff with the Al-Mahdi militia intensified in Al-Najaf last week, police there instructed journalists to leave the city, Baghdad's Al-Sharqiyah television reported. Journalists remained in the city, however, and were confronted by police officers at a hotel where many of them have been staying, Reuters reported on 15 August. "I have an order that all journalists must leave Al-Najaf now. Anyone who does not leave will be arrested," a police lieutenant announced at the hotel. The news agency reported that several officers on the scene brandished their rifles in an apparent show of force.

Police chief Ghalib al-Jaza'iri told reporters at a 15 August press conference that the order came from the Interior Ministry, Al-Jazeera reported on 17 August. "The order is still technically valid, but I have contacted the Interior Ministry this morning and told them it sounds unreasonable to have a city with no media. This will turn [the media] against us," he said. Journalists said they fear the order was an attempt by officials to impose a news blackout on the city, although officials contend that the order was issued to ensure the safety of journalists. The incident occurred just days before U.S. forces launched a major incursion against Shi'ite militiamen in the city.

Police later arrested several journalists in Al-Najaf, including an Al-Arabiyah television correspondent on 16 August. Al-Jazeera television reported on 17 August that police officers again visited a hotel where journalists were staying, and one police lieutenant announced: "We will kill you if you leave the hotel. I will put four snipers on the roof to shoot anyone who leaves." Police also fired into the air and pointed their guns at the hotel, witnesses told Al-Jazeera.

Police again detained dozens of Iraqi and foreign journalists in Al-Najaf on 25 August, Reuters reported on the following day. The detention followed an evening raid on a hotel housing journalists. Police reportedly fired weapons in the air -- and in one instance at a cameraman -- during the raid. "Journalists were just eating dinner and suddenly the police appeared in the lobby and started firing in the air," an unidentified journalist told Reuters. Another witness said that 50 journalists were taken into custody during the raid; they were later released.

Several Iranian journalists have been prevented from covering stories and some were even arrested in recent weeks. Iraqi police arrested the head of IRNA's Baghdad bureau and three of his journalists on 9 August. The men are reportedly being held at the Interior Ministry in Baghdad. Iraqi officials have not said why the men were arrested. Iran's special parliamentary journalist's committee sent an appeal signed by 234 journalists to Iraqi Prime Minister Allawi on 23 August appealing for the release of the men. The group made a similar appeal asking UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to intervene in the affair on 20 August."

Document(s): original document

06.08.2004 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

GOVERNMENT CLOSES AL-JAZEERA FOR ALLEGEDLY INCITING VIOLENCE ("original document") [ID 10125]

"GOVERNMENT CLOSES AL-JAZEERA FOR ALLEGEDLY INCITING VIOLENCE. The interim government ordered the Iraqi offices of the satellite news channel Al-Jazeera closed for 30 days on 7 August for allegedly inciting violence in Iraq, international media reported the same day. Al-Jazeera broadcast a press briefing with Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib that day in which he said: "Al-Jazeera showed many crimes and criminals on its screen and they say things that harm the image of Iraq and the Iraqis. Those who commit crimes may be encouraged [by those broadcasts] to commit more crimes."

Prime Minister Allawi told the same press briefing that he had set up an independent committee to monitor Al-Jazeera's daily broadcasts over the previous one-month period. Iraq's National Security Council, after reviewing the committee's report, recommended that the news channel be banned. Allawi said the order will be enforced longer than 30 days should Al-Jazeera fail to change its reporting practices.

Al-Jazeera broadcast a response on 7 August, calling the order an "unjustified decision." The response claimed that the news channel adheres to "professional principles" including "balance, objectivity, and concern about its viewers' right to know the truth whatever it may be." The order appears to not have hindered the satellite news channel's reporting on Iraq."

Document(s): original document

04.08.2004 - Source: Freedom House

Report focused on press freedom in Iraq ("Liberated and Occupied Iraq: new beginnings and challenges for press freedom") [#24479],  [ID 10126]

Document(s): Open document

08.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

The Internet Under Surveillance, 2004 report ("Iraq - The Internet under surveillance 2004") [#25024],  [ID 10127]

Document(s): Open document

01.04.2004 - Source: UK Home Office

Freedom of Speech and the Media [ID 10128]

"“The despotic and abusive rule of Saddam Hussein is gone, and Iraqis
today can express themselves without fear of arbitrary detention, torture or execution.” According to a Human Rights Watch report in January 2004. [15d] 6.24 On 26 March 2004 the US State Department reported that “Iraqis have access to an ever-growing number of independent sources of news, including newspapers, radio stations, and satellite television networks. There are over 100 Iraqi newspapers and 70 radio stations. [2e] 6.25 In late 2003 Amnesty International expressed concerns that several of the provisions in the Iraqi Penal Code that had not been repealed by the CPA “pose a clear threat to the right to freedom of expression”. These included restrictions on insulting the president and public figures, dissemination of information, and violations of public integrity and decency. [28c] 6.26 Having accused them of providing too much prominence to anti-US attacks and giving the opposition to the occupation a platform, the Interim Governing Council announced on 23 September 2003 that it was banning Al- Jazeera and Al-Arabiya satellite television channels from covering IGC activities, according to a BBC report on 23 September 2003 . The stations would be banned from official press conferences and their correspondents denied access to ministries and council buildings for an initial period of two weeks. [4o]
6.27 A report in Al-Mutamar, the newspaper of the Iraqi National Congress (INC), carried by the IWPR’s Iraqi Press Monitor on 16 March 2004 claimed that an INC report had found that, whether intentionally or unintentionally, government ministries were inhibiting the growth of the media by directing all their advertising spend to the Coalition backed Al-Sabah newspaper.


The Guardian reported on 26 September 2003 what appeared to be
the first attack intentionally targeting the media: a hotel in Baghdad housing
NBC staff was bombed on 25 September, killing a Somali guard and injuring
two other people. NBC’s presence was not advertised but the hotel was
widely known to house American reporters. [6l]"

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2004 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Report documenting attacks on the press in 2003 ("Attacks on the press in 2003") [#20314],  [ID 10129]

Document(s): Open document

08.12.2003 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

SCIRI REPORTEDLY THREATENING CPA'S IRAQI MEDIA NETWORK ("original document") [ID 10130]

"(...) SCIRI REPORTEDLY THREATENING CPA'S IRAQI MEDIA NETWORK. The Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) has reportedly threatened to mobilize Iraqis against the U.S.-sponsored Iraqi Media Network television (IMN) on grounds that the station is airing programs that the Shi'ite group views as indecent and immoral, Al-Jazeera reported on 26 November.

"If you do not change your programs and submit to our will, we will mobilize the Iraqi street against you. We will resort to another method. We will mobilize the Iraqi street to defend Islam," the satellite news channel quoted SCIRI representative Sadr al-Din al-Qabanji as saying. Al-Jazeera also reported that SCIRI representatives have said they will issue fatwas against IMN if the station's programming is not changed. The report did not provide details on the purportedly offensive programs. (Kathleen Ridolfo) (...)"

Document(s): original document

01.12.2003 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Media licensing - establishing independent media commission ("original document") [ID 10131]

"(...) A plan to license broadcasters in Iraq may be a good one, but it is taking so long that media players feel they are dealing with the former regime all over again (...)

In reality, the 80 or so radio stations and the estimated 20 television stations would probably all be licensed, since most of them were already operating (...)

Under the former regime, all media were virtually part of the government, so broadcasters are unused to thinking about elections and government officials. But at the Iraq Media Network (IMN), run by a former state television broadcaster, Shamim Rassam, people can call in and complain about various ministers appointed after the fall of Saddam this spring. Their complaints were being passed on to the ministries, and ministers were asked to respond, she said. (...)

After licensing the broadcasters, the media development office wants to start an independent media commission to help the media police themselves. The commission will serve as an oversight board, similar to an ombudsman’s office at a newspaper. The US does not have such a national board, but various European countries do, according to Loraine. (...)"

Document(s): original document

27.11.2003 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Newspapers, Television, Radio, Internet ("original document") [ID 10132]

"(...) On 24 March, four days after U.S. and coalition forces launched Operation Iraqi Freedom, the United States initiated a campaign to end the regime's state-run media system. Official Iraqi Television Channels 1 and 2 were wiped off the air. Likewise, Iraq Satellite Television was knocked off the air by mid-April. That pro-regime channel broadcast to the wider Arab world, and had been for foreign consumption only. (...)

Iraqi newspapers continued to publish during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Iraq Satellite Television regularly reported on news and opinion pieces appearing in Iraqi dailies throughout the conflict. (...) At the onset of Operation Iraqi Freedom, there were an estimated 50-70 Internet centers in Iraq, located in places such as luxury hotels, universities, state ministries, and research and industrial facilities.

The media in Iraq has flourished since the overthrow of the Hussein regime. Over 100 newspapers are currently publishing in Iraq, representing a wide spectrum of political and religious viewpoints. The Iraqi Media Network (IMN) was established by the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq (CPA) to replace the defunct Iraqi Information Ministry, which oversaw the media in Iraq under Hussein. The network includes a television station, two radio stations, and a newspaper. Meanwhile, "The Washington Post" reported on 16 October that the U.S. Army is now soliciting bids on behalf of the CPA for a private contractor to expand the Iraqi Media Network into a "world-class" media organization to be called the Al-Iraqiyah Network. The network would broadcast over two land-based channels, one of which would be an all-news channel, and two radio stations, one all news. The news channels would also be available via satellite. Independent radio and television stations have also been established. Moreover, satellite purchases have proliferated, despite the prohibitive cost to the average Iraqi. The Internet is also widely available throughout the country. (...)

The CPA has encouraged Iraqis to pursue free press in Iraq, but has also cautioned the media to follow CPA orders regarding the conduct of the media in Iraq. CPA Order Number 14, issued on 10 June (http://www.cpa-iraq.org), lists strict rules prohibiting the media from: incitement to violence and civil disorder, either against Iraqis, or against coalition forces; expressing support for the banned Ba'ath Party; and support for "alterations to Iraq's borders by violent means." Media organizations determined to be in violation of the order are subject to closure, possible imprisonment of relevant persons involved in the violation, and a fine of up to $1,000.

The CPA moved to enforce the order in early June, closing down a radio station, newspaper, and television channel. Other newspapers were put on warning, and appear to have quickly moved to change their style and content. More recently, the Arab satellite channel, Al-Arabiyah, was banned by the Iraqi Governing Council from broadcasting from Iraq, on grounds that the news channel was inciting Iraqis to violence (see this issue). (...)

Newspaper circulation varies widely in Iraq, with some dailies claiming to produce 30,000 to 50,000 copies a day. Smaller weeklies produce between 3,000 and 6,000 copies per week. Iraqi newspapers cost between 250 and 1,000 Iraqi dinars ($.25 and $1).

Radio: There are currently 17 FM radio stations and more than 55 AM/MW stations operating in Iraq. The stations broadcast mainly in Arabic. Kurdish and Assyrian broadcasts are also available. Syrian, Kuwaiti, Qatari, Omani, and United Arab Emirates stations can also be picked up, in addition to foreign broadcasts in English, French, and Russian. (...)

On 13 October, the CPA announced that it would begin accepting applications for broadcast licenses at a cost of $500 per new license, with a $100 renewal fee. Potential applicants must meet CPA-established requirements regarding good character, financial disclosures, and content. Initial broadcasting licenses will be granted for six months.


Television (...) There has been a boom in satellite dishes in Iraq since the overthrow of the Hussein regime. Dishes cost between $150 and $250. The Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders contends that Iraqis trust Arab satellite channels for news more than their own press, or coalition broadcasts. Two Kurdish satellite channels are also operating from Iraqi Kurdistan. As with Kurdish domestic television, the two major Kurdish political parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, operate those channels.

Internet: No less than 20 Internet cafes are operating in the Iraqi capital, serviced by Internet service providers (ISPs) based in northern Iraq. Cybercafes have also opened in northern and southern cities, some with the help of coalition forces. An hour online reportedly costs around $2, too expensive for most Iraqis. Nonetheless, international media reports that the cafes are popular with Iraqis anxious for unimpeded access to global information sources. The BBC reported in August that the former Iraqi state ISP, Uruklink, which operated under the Hussein regime, restarted service in July. Coalition forces disabled Uruklink at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition, it appears that high-speed broadband delivered via satellite will soon be available inside the country courtesy of GloCall, a France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications company. Local Iraqi websites remain scant, but a number of Iraqi newspapers can be accessed online. In addition, the CPA's website offers official announcements, speeches, press-conference transcripts, and public notices in both English and Arabic. The website, however, appears incomplete, with links to Iraqi ministries offering little or no information. The website has fluctuated as far as content since it first came online in early summer, sometimes offering daily updates, and at other times not updating for days at a time."

Document(s): original document

23.09.2003 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

BBC media training on hold ("IRIN: BBC media training on hold") [ID 10135]

"The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service Trust has put its activities on hold in Iraq temporarily due to deteriorating security. "We are really waiting for security to improve and we would have to see NGOs go back in first before we move in again," projects director for the BBC World Service Trust, Tim Williams, told IRIN from London on Monday. Since the end of the war, the BBC has trained 100 journalists in south central Iraq and conducted a one week training course in conjunction with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) introducing children to radio. "This project has been put on hold for the time being," he said."

Document(s): IRIN: BBC media training on hold

23.07.2003 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Police close down newspaper ("Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Police close down newspaper") [ID 10138]

"A special investigative unit of the Iraqi police closed down the offices of "Al-Mustaqillah" newspaper on 21 July, arresting the newspaper's office manager, according to a press release posted on the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) website (http://www.cpa-iraq.org). "'Al-Mustaqillah' newspaper published on 13 July a clearly inciteful [sic] article entitled 'Death to all spies and those who cooperate with the U.S.; killing them is religious duty,'" the press release stated. "'Al-Mustaqillah' newspaper has chosen to threaten the basic human rights of Iraqi citizens, especially the right to life and the right to live without fear or threat," it stated, adding, "The CPA and the Iraqi Police Service therefore judged that 'Al-Mustaqillah' poses a significant security threat to Iraqi citizens, placing it in violation of international humanitarian law, as well as in breach of CPA Order Number 14 'Towards a Free Iraqi Press.'" That order can be viewed on the CPA website. ("RFE/RL Newsline," 23 July)"

Document(s): Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Police close down newspaper

23.07.2003 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

The Iraqi media three months after the war : a new but fragile freedom ("Reprters Sans Frontieres/Reporters Without Borders: The Iraqi media three months after the war : a new but fragile freedom") [ID 10139]

Document(s): Reprters Sans Frontieres/Reporters Without Borders: The Iraqi media three months after the war : a new but fragile freedom

18.07.2003 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Governing Council criticizes arab satellite TV stations for lack of support ("Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Governing Council criticizes arab satellite TV stations for lack of support") [ID 10140]

"The U.S.-backed Governing Council of Iraq held its inaugural meeting in Baghdad on 13 July, international news agencies reported. The 25-member council, which will wield executive and legislative powers in an interim phase before a new government is formed, is seen as the first step toward democratic Iraqi self-rule in the wake of the U.S.-led operation to oust former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. The council members openly criticized the Arab League, Arab states, and their satellite networks during the 13 July press conference for their apparent support for the deposed Hussein regime, Al-Jazeera reported. Muhammad Bahr al-Ulum told reporters that Arab satellite channels "betrayed [Iraqis] and did not stand by us," adding, "These channels are awaiting Saddam's return." Nasir al-Chadirji, secretary-general of the Movement of National Democrats, added: "I have an appeal for Al-Jazeera and other Arab satellite channels. I tell them: Enough incitement for the Iraqi people to carry out acts of violence against the coalition troops." ("RFE/RL Newsline," 14 July)"

Document(s): Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Governing Council criticizes arab satellite TV stations for lack of support

17.07.2003 - Source: UN Security Council

Report of the Secretary-General on free and independent media ("Report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 24 of Security Council resolution 1483 (2003) (S/2003/715)") [#14776],  [ID 10141]

"The development of free and independent media will assist in the creation of an environment conducive to free and fair elections, and in promoting a pluralistic society and a culture of respect for human rights. Currently, however, Iraqis feel that there is a lack of information, particularly from independent broadcast media sources. After decades of suppression, there is a thirst for information originating in Iraq."

Document(s): Open document