Shafaq News- Baghdad
Iraq'sCommunications and Media Commission (CMC) suspended five political televisionprograms, fined three media outlets, warned two Arab broadcasters, andrestricted 18 media figures between Dec. 1 and May 31, Iraqi Association forDefending Press Freedom stated on Sunday.
It described themeasures as “unconstitutional,” criticizing CMC’s head for “granting himselfpowers to issue suspension, blocking, and financial penalty decisions.” TheAssociaiton argued that such authorities are not included in Order No. 65,which regulates the commission’s work.
The association alsocalled on Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi and parliament to strengthen protectionsfor press freedom by ensuring the CMC's independence from political influence,appointing media professionals to its leadership positions, and passing legislationthat guarantees its neutrality.
Last month, theIraqi Observatory for Human Rights warned of a rise in violations againstjournalists, including arrests, assaults, kidnappings, and restrictions onmedia coverage, citing growing pressure on press freedom and a lack ofaccountability for abuses.
Iraq ranked 162nd inthe 2026 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, placing italongside Sudan and Yemen at the bottom of the global ranking.
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