Shafaq News- Baghdad
Iraq's Communications and MediaCommission (CMC) Appeals Council on Sunday rejected three appeals challengingdisciplinary measures imposed on TV presenter Mona Sami, Alawla TV, andpolitical analyst Issam Hussein.
In decisions signed by AppealsCouncil Chairman Judge Iyad Mohsen Dhamad, the body ruled that a program'smanagement and presenter bear legal responsibility for statements made byguests because they have the authority to intervene immediately and steerdiscussions back within professional standards.
It concluded that Sami's failure tointervene amounted to approval of, and participation in, broadcasting what itdescribed as "sectarian poison."
The council also found thatHussein's remarks sought to incite sectarian and religious divisions throughcontent that reportedly threatens civil peace and public order. Freedom ofexpression, it stressed, is not an absolute right but must be exercised withinlegal limits that protect social stability and public morals.