Iraqi journalists are still exposed to "violations" and "harassment" by the government authorities, claim a journalist rights group.
The Iraqi Association for Defending the Journalists' Rights, based in Baghdad, also said this was a clear violation of the constitution.

The association's spokesman Nazim al-Ugaili told AKnews: "We are concerned because the harassment of journalists and media workers have returned, undermining their work."

Baghdad Operations Command recently issued orders for journalists to obtain approval before covering any activities and demonstrations.

"This has led to obvious displeasure in the media center," Ugaili said.

A team from the 'Russia Today' TV station was detained in Baghdad recently while covering the targeting of young people who belong to the emo sub-culture.

"The harassment of journalists and restrictions put against them is a clear violation for article 38 of the constitution," said Ugaili.

Article 38 of the Constitution protects freedom of expression and freedom of the press and freedom of assembly and peaceful demonstration.

The Journalistic Freedom Observatory (JFO) stated earlier that the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate is a "cooperative" related to the government - from whom it obtains land and housing grants - and cannot defend the freedom of the press and media in Iraq.

The syndicate responded that it doesn't serve journalists.






AKnews