From Amwaj Media. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Cases against social media influencers raise concerns over freedoms in Iraq Iraq's judiciary is issuing arrest warrants and convicting social media stars over allegedly inappropriate content. Reactions to these measures have been divided. […]
By John Lee. A group of human rights organisations have expressed their deepest concern regarding the Iraqi authorities' recent campaign to crack down on 'indecent content' online. This crackdown, they say, has a chilling effect and will stifle free speech in the country. The statement, which can be read in full here, is signed by […]
By John Lee. Iraq continues to be listed as "not free" in Freedom House's latest Freedom in the World index. Scoring 29 points from a possible total of 100, Iraq does, however, rank considerably better than neighbouring Iran (16), Saudi Arabia (7), and Syria (1). Jordan scores better with 34, while Turkey also comes in […]
By John Lee. Iraq is reportedly considering banning several popular video games over fears that they encourage violence and crime. MP Sami'a Ghulab, who chairs the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Information, Tourism, and Archaeology, is quoted as saying that games such as Fortnite, Apex Legends and PlayerUnkown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) are "affecting the social, psychological and educational […]
By Saad Salloum for Al Monitor. Any opinions here are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. After decades of suppression, Baha'is celebrate publicly in Baghdad On Nov. 30, Baha’is celebrated the bicentennial of the birth of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha’i faith, in a ceremony […]
This article was originally published by Niqash. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Even before the extremists were in control in Anbar, selling alcohol was banned. During extremist control, selling liquor was punishable by death. But now liquor stores have become a sign […]
On the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the United Nations calls on every Iraqi to embrace diversity and engage in dialogue to build bridges between communities and lay the foundation for peace. “Diversity is Iraq’s greatest strength and a symbol of its rich cultural heritage, stretching back through the millennia,” said […]
By John Lee. Iraq’s political rights rating declined over the past year, according to a new report from Freedom House. The fall was due to the concentration of power by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and increasing pressure on the political opposition, as exemplified by the arrest and death sentence in absentia of Vice President Tariq […]
