Ziad al-Ajili, the head of Baghdad's Journalistic Freedoms Observatory, told Al-Monitor, “There are attempts to intimidate journalists in Iraq." He said that kidnappings and the failure to prosecute perpetrators will inevitably lead to intimidation of journalists and make them fear for their lives.
Ajili added, “The Iraqi government has yet to prove its seriousness in pursuing those who harm or intimidate journalists, and this exacerbates the threat to freedom of expression in Iraq."
The reason why activists and key figures are being attacked and who is behind these kidnapping operations or intimidation campaigns remains unclear.
Parliament’s Security and Defense Committee member Majid al-Gharawi told Al-Monitor, “Some kidnapping operations are politically motivated, especially those targeting civilian activists.”
Gharawi said, "Those who carry out these acts are backed by political parties that do not want the truth to be heard. They want to muzzle and silence all those who demand reform of the political process, criticize the government and combat corruption.”
In a confident tone, he added, "Anyone who criticizes these parties, trying to implement corruption projects, is likely to be kidnapped or threatened. Civil movements in particular do not have armored vehicles or armed factions that protect them against threats.
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