Shafaq News- Baghdad
A Baghdad-based rights organization documentedclose to 1,000 violations against journalists and media workers during thetenure of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, warning that theministerial appointment in the new government could further erode press freedomin Iraq.
Al-Nakhil Center for Rights and Press Freedoms saidIraq's press freedom score had dropped sharply under the previousadministration to a range of 25 to 30 points from a prior range of 45 to 75points before 2022.
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It also directed particular attention to theappointment of Mustafa Sand as communications minister in the incominggovernment, citing “his prior involvement in legal action against journalistsand activists.” Given the ministry's authority over internet infrastructure,user data, and website-blocking decisions, the group warned the appointmentcarried direct implications for freedom of expression.
Beyond the ministerial concern, the centercalled on the new government to drop lawsuits filed against journalists bystate institutions and to reopen investigation files related to violations,corruption, and misuse of public funds during the previous administration, measuresit framed as necessary to address what it called the "wounds offreedoms."
Iraq ranked 162nd in the 2026 Reporters WithoutBorders World Press Freedom Index, placing it alongside Sudan and Yemen at thebottom of the global ranking.
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