Shafaq News- Baghdad
On Thursday, Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission(CMC) suspended the broadcast of the “Al-Haq Yuqal” program hosted by AdnanAl-Taie for 45 days over “unprofessionalism” in presentation and dialoguemanagement.
The CMC also issued a warning to UTV, which airs theprogram, ordering the removal of the violating episodes broadcast on May 4 andMay 12 from digital platforms, accusing the show of breaching Iraq’s mediabroadcasting regulations related to public decency, professional standards,accuracy, neutrality, and balanced coverage, as well as airing content deemedharmful to Iraq’s social fabric or containing language considered mocking,demeaning, or offensive toward individuals or groups.
Al-Haq Yuqal, a political talk show focusing on Iraqiaffairs and regional developments, has faced repeated suspensions and lawsuitsin recent years. In March 2026, the CMC imposed a 20-day media appearance banon Al-Taie over “a lack of neutrality” during an interview with politicalanalyst Hashim Al-Kindi, while the program was suspended for seven days in May2025 over alleged violations of broadcasting regulations.
Al-Taie has also faced legal complaints, including a lawsuitfiled by Iraqi MP Alaa Al-Haidari in September 2025 over “indirect insults andreputational harm,” and another case in February 2023 accusing him of “incitingsectarian tensions and creating discord through the program.”
Iraq ranked 162nd out of 180 countries in the 2025 WorldPress Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), falling sevenplaces compared with last year.
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