Participants attend a session titled “The Decline of Civil Liberties in Iraq,” hosted by the Mawja Organization in Najaf, featuring lawmakers and activists. (Photo: 964media)
'Superficial democracy'
‘Real regression in freedoms:’ Najaf event explores decline of civil liberties in Iraq
NAJAF — The Political Awareness Club, part of the Mawja Organization, held a session titled “The Decline of Civil Liberties in Iraq” in Najaf on Saturday. The event was attended by political activists, public affairs enthusiasts and even some MPs.
The discussion focused on restrictions on freedom of expression and their impact on Iraq’s civil political movements. Hanine Ghanem, the session’s moderator, highlighted challenges facing civil liberties in the country.
“We are experiencing a real regression in freedoms. For instance, government employees are restricted from expressing opinions on social media, and civil society organizations are barred from entering universities,” Ghanem told 964media.
In May 2024, a decision from Iraqi Ministry of Education to prohibit teachers and educational staff from criticizing or commenting on social media incited backlash. Days later, the Directorate of Legal Affairs at the Iraqi Ministry of Education announced the cancellation of the directive.
“This, coupled with union cooperation with the government to suppress freedoms, has led us to discuss laws affecting civil liberties and related violations,” she added.
Press freedom in Iraq experienced a notable decline in 2024, characterized by an alarming increase in violence, intimidation, and legal harassment targeting journalists, according to a report published by the Press Freedom Advocacy Association in Iraq.
In the report, the association documented 457 violations against journalists and media outlets from Jan. 1, 2024, to Oct. 2, 2024.
Sajad Salem, a member of parliament, criticized religious parties for adopting a hardline approach to personal freedoms and societal regulations.
“These parties attempt to restrict freedoms, fueling outdated conflicts that are not in the society’s interest,” Salem said.
He also emphasized the need for clearer definitions and frameworks for civil movements, noting, “Civil parties have struggled with their audience, presence, and messaging since 2003. Civility cannot remain a vague concept; it requires concrete foundations and definitions.”
Zaed Al-Assad, a local civil activist, expressed concerns about the risks facing civil liberties. “Civil and political movements face threats from the dominance of armed religious parties, which violates the constitution and has become a contentious issue in Iraq,” he said.
Iraq is currently witnessing growing debates over the fate of armed groups and their weapons, particularly in light of recent diplomatic developments involving Syria. Reports suggest U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the Iraqi government to dismantle armed groups, transfer their weapons to state control, and limit Iranian influence during a visit to Baghdad in December 2024.
Al-Assad also criticized what he perceived as a lack of genuine democracy in Iraq. “What we see is superficial democracy with only the ballot box as its visible outcome. Fundamental conditions like freedom of the press, protest, and expression do not exist, creating an unfair playing field between civil and religious political movements.”