\n 2026-05-31T16:48:32+00:00<\/p>\n
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Shafaq News- Baghdad<\/p>\n
Iraq’s
\nCommunications and Media Commission (CMC) suspended five political television
\nprograms, fined three media outlets, warned two Arab broadcasters, and
\nrestricted 18 media figures between Dec. 1 and May 31, Iraqi Association for
\nDefending Press Freedom stated on Sunday.<\/p>\n
It described the
\nmeasures as \u201cunconstitutional,\u201d criticizing CMC\u2019s head for \u201cgranting himself
\npowers to issue suspension, blocking, and financial penalty decisions.\u201d The
\nAssociaiton argued that such authorities are not included in Order No. 65,
\nwhich regulates the commission\u2019s work.<\/p>\n
The association also
\ncalled on Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi and parliament to strengthen protections
\nfor press freedom by ensuring the CMC’s independence from political influence,
\nappointing media professionals to its leadership positions, and passing legislation
\nthat guarantees its neutrality.<\/p>\n
Last month, the
\nIraqi Observatory for Human Rights warned<\/a> of a rise in violations against
\njournalists, including arrests, assaults, kidnappings, and restrictions on
\nmedia coverage, citing growing pressure on press freedom and a lack of
\naccountability for abuses.<\/p>\n