Middle East & North Africa

Iraq

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}
 

IREX Description:

Iraq has enjoyed wide-ranging freedoms since the forcible ouster of Saddam Hussein and the political upheaval in 2003. However, media professionals and press organizations still operate in a hazardous environment. Local organizations continue to raise warnings about dangers to freedom of the press and expression, particularly in the aftermath of the United States military withdrawal from Iraqi cities.

The Journalistic Freedoms Observatory (JFO), an Iraqi organization that defends journalists and their rights, reports that violence against journalists is climbing. In 2009, JFO reported a rise in attacks on journalists and media professionals to an estimated 262 cases over the course of the year. The report indicates that the Iraqi government has put forth significant efforts to control the free flow of information and has exerted pressure on journalists to prevent them from doing their jobs. The government uses criminal libel and defamation laws to stifle critical media outlets.

In addition, the Iraqi government has tried to restrict information on a national level by imposing censorship and control over the Internet. Such instructions seem to contravene article 40 of the Iraqi Constitution, which states: "The freedom of communication, and mail, telegraphic, electronic, and telephonic correspondence, and other correspondence shall be guaranteed and may not be monitored, wiretapped, or disclosed except for legal and security necessity and by a judicial decision."

Read more on IREX’s site…

Reporters Without Borders Description:

The risks run by Iraqi journalists trying to do their job have changed considerably over the past two years. Targeted attacks by militiamen or terror groups have all but disappeared, even though in 2009 alone three journalists were killed and five others wounded in suicide bombings.

The threat to Iraqi media staff today comes above all from the authorities or political figures that block them from gaining access to certain areas. Abusive measures and legal proceedings against newspapers for “defamation” have become commonplace. Even media that are considered to be pro-government cannot escape this pressure, any more than journalists working in Kurdistan.

Alongside court proceedings and the resulting heaving fines, there has been an upsurge in threats to the safety and physical wellbeing of some independent journalists. Armed groups, but also Iraqi police and the authorities responsible for law and order have all threatened or committed acts of violence against them.

Read more on RSF’s site…

Four Iraqi journalists were killed because of their work as the press continued to face great challenges and risks. Nevertheless, the death toll dropped to its lowest point since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, and, for the first time in six years, Iraq was not the world’s deadliest nation for journalists. (It was replaced by the Philippines.) No journalists or media workers were reported abducted, reflecting another steep drop from prior years.

The marked decline in media fatalities and abductions was consistent with an overall drop in violence in recent years. Analysts cited a variety of factors, including the increasing participation of Sunni groups and other sectarian elements in the political process and the shift in security responsibilities from the U.S. military to Iraqi forces. By June 30, as part of an agreement between the United States and Iraq, U.S. troops withdrew from all Iraqi cities and towns, handing control of security to the Iraqi government.

Read more on CPJ’s site...
 

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