Second appearance before court
Journalist Qais Hassan faces defamation lawsuit from ex-PM Al-Kadhimi
BAGHDAD – Iraqi journalist and writer Qais Hassan revealed on Thursday that he appeared before the judge for the second court session in the defamation lawsuit filed against him by former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. Al-Kadhimi is seeking financial compensation of 250 million dinars ($190,750) for “material and moral damage” caused by a critical social media post that Hassan wrote.
In the post, Hassan criticized political figures since 2003, stating that “Al-Kadhimi is worse than Adel Abdul Mahdi.” Documents obtained by 964media confirm Al-Kadhimi’s claims for damages.
During the second session, the judge decided to refer the case to an expert before ruling on it on August 22. Hassan questioned if Al-Kadhimi would “dare” to file a lawsuit against any member of the parties and armed factions who have insulted him “in every possible manner.” He clarified that his remarks were directed at a public official, not a personal attack.
“My words about Al-Kadhimi and the prime ministers were harsh, just as our situation has been harsh and dire,” Hassan said. “I was angry in my words, just as people are angry in a country where everything has been violated—decency, integrity, honor, law, constitution, and the dreams of the weak longing for freedom, prosperity, and the rule of law.”
Hassan emphasized that resorting to the law is a civilized behavior, stressing the necessity for those who want to see a “respectable” state to uphold the law.
“Isn’t a respectable state one where the law prevails? Respecting the law should be sacred for state officials first, and the scales of justice should be fair to everyone, regardless of their power or weakness,” he said.
Reporters Without Borders ranks Iraq 169th in Press Freedom Index
