Journalists in Iraq faced tough 2024 with 457 violations recorded by advocacy group

BAGHDAD — Press freedom in Iraq faced a sharp downturn throughout 2024, marked by an unprecedented surge in violence, intimidation, and legal harassment against journalists, according to a report released by the Press Freedom Advocacy Association in Iraq.

The findings reveal an alarming deterioration in working conditions for media professionals, widespread misuse of outdated defamation laws, and a systematic crackdown on journalistic activities across the country.

In its report, the association documented 457 violations against journalists and media outlets from Jan. 1, 2024, to Oct. 2, 2024. These included murders, arbitrary detentions, armed attacks, physical assaults, threats, lawsuits, and restrictions on media operations.

“No governorate, month, or week passed without incidents of harassment, court summons, or targeted violence against journalists,” the report stated. “The situation has reached a point where the fundamental right to free speech, protected under Iraq’s constitution, is being blatantly violated.”

The report detailed three journalists killed and one severely injured during the year. Additionally, 23 journalists were detained and 11 arrested, often, it says, without clear legal grounds. “Many of these arrests were arbitrary, designed to silence critical voices and deter investigative journalism,” the association explained.

Attacks by armed groups and individuals on journalists and media outlets were reported seven times throughout the year. “These attacks were not isolated incidents but part of a broader campaign to intimidate journalists into silence,” the report noted.

Journalists also faced 280 incidents of obstruction or prevention of media coverage, often while covering protests, government corruption, or security operations. “Our field teams reported multiple instances where journalists were physically blocked or had their equipment confiscated by security forces,” the report added.

In addition to physical risks, journalists encountered significant legal harassment, with 68 lawsuits filed against reporters under defamation and public order laws. “Authorities are using outdated defamation laws from the 1960s and 1970s to target journalists who uncover corruption,” the association highlighted.

The Communications and Media Commission, Iraq’s primary regulator overseeing broadcasting and telecommunication services, was implicated in 17 violations, including arbitrary fines, broadcasting bans, and restrictive warnings. Established to ensure fair media practices and regulate content, the CMC has increasingly been criticized by some for acting as an instrument of political influence. “The CMC has become a tool for silencing dissent, issuing unjustified penalties and suspending media outlets critical of government policies,” the report stated.

The role of the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate also came under scrutiny. It is alleged that instead of protecting journalists’ rights, the syndicate reportedly filed lawsuits against journalists, revoked licenses from critical outlets, and instructed government bodies to sever ties with dissenting platforms. “The syndicate has abandoned its fundamental mission and is now actively participating in the suppression of media freedoms,” the report asserted.

The report further revealed that nine websites, TV programs, and journalist accounts were blocked or restricted in 2024. “These measures were often implemented without legal justification or due process, severely limiting access to information for the public,” the association said.

The report also highlighted repeated attacks by armed factions on television stations and media offices, where armed personnel raided facilities, destroyed equipment, and intimidated staff members. “Government security forces frequently turned a blind eye to these attacks, failing to intervene or hold the perpetrators accountable,” the report claimed.

Baghdad topped the list with 105 recorded incidents. Erbil followed closely with 103. Other governorates, including Basra, Mosul, and Kirkuk, also reported high numbers of violations.

“We observed a troubling trend where violations intensified during politically sensitive periods, particularly in May and April,” the association said. May recorded the highest number of violations with 82 cases, followed by April with 58 cases.

“What we are witnessing is a systematic campaign to dismantle press freedom in Iraq. Journalists are being silenced not just with threats, but with outdated laws, court cases, and physical violence,” the report stressed.

The association called on the Iraqi government to take immediate action to protect journalists and uphold press freedoms. It urged authorities to end the misuse of outdated defamation laws and hold perpetrators of violence accountable.

It also calls on security forces to actively protect journalists and media institutions alongside implementing clear and transparent regulations for the Communications and Media Commission.

“If Iraq hopes to maintain even a semblance of democratic governance, immediate reforms are essential. The government must act swiftly to stop the ongoing violations and create a safe working environment for journalists,” the association concluded.