Tag Archives | Human rights

Voice of America Journalist Beaten in Iraq

Voice of America (VOA) journalists were beaten and harassed by authorities in Pakistan and Iraq earlier this week. “I am appalled that these VOA journalists, who were only doing their job of reporting accurate information, were beaten and harassed by security forces,” VOA Director Amanda Bennett said. “Intimidation only generates an opposite effect. VOA will […]

ISIS Bans Satellite TV, Hunts Down Internet Users

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. ISIS Bans Satellite TV In Mosul, Hunts Down Internet Users The Islamic State has issued orders banning satellite TV because it spreads false news. They’re also demanding all Internet users’ […]

Why Journalists in Iraq face Death Threats

By Adnan Abu Zeed for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. To what extent can members of the media confidently say that freedom of the press in Iraq exists with so many threats made — and carried out — against journalists? These threats are well-documented […]

Al Jazeera Closure "a Blow to Free Speech", HRW

By Human Rights Watch. The closure of Al Jazeera’s Baghdad bureau by the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission is nothing but an effort to clamp down on freedom of expression. The commission should promptly reverse its decision and allow the bureau to operate freely in accordance with international standards on freedom of the media and […]

Iraq shuts down Al Jazeera Baghdad Bureau

The Iraqi Communications and Media Commission (CMC) has reportedly shut down the Baghdad bureau of Al Jazeera Media Network and banned its journalists from reporting in the country. According to a report from Al Jazeera, in a letter to the company on Wednesday, the CMC said it was withdrawing the licence that allowed Al Jazeera […]

Iraq: "a Long Memory but Short on Vision"

Iraq: Equality and justice not luxuries but crucial foundations of stability Iraq must immediately take concrete steps to plan for “the day after” the defeat of ISIL, grounded in equality, the rule of law and a vision that has earned the confidence of all the country’s diverse communities, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights […]

Mass Grave of Sunni Iraqis Found in Ramadi

By Simon Kent. Iraqi officials in Iraq's western province of Anbar have discovered a mass grave near the provincial capital of Ramadi. The town was cleared of ISIS fighters in January, and ISIS prisoners led officials to the burial site, which contains 40 bodies, 6 of whom have been identified. Although Ramadi is a predominantly […]

UNHCR: Refugees' Freedom of Movement Restricted

By Ariane Rummery, UNHCR spokesperson. The UN Refugee Agency is concerned about a rising trend of newly-displaced Iraqis being forcibly transferred to camps where restrictions on their freedom of movement are imposed in a manner disproportionate to any legitimate concern, including those related to security. While recognizing the responsibility of authorities to undertake security screening […]

Bold Steps Needed to give Hope to Threatened Groups

Bold steps needed to give hope to ethnic and religious groups facing an uncertain future The United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsák-Ndiaye (pictured), has urged the Government of Iraq to take rapid and concrete steps to guarantee the future of some of the country’s most threatened and marginalized ethnic and religious groups […]

Why is Iraq Challenging Human Rights Reports?

By Mustafa Saadoun for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a report Jan. 31 about the abduction and murder of dozens of Sunnis living in a town in the center of Iraq. “Members of [Shiite] militias, who […]

US Asst Secretary of State Visits Iraq

United States Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Tom Malinowski visited Iraq, February 21-24, to discuss human rights issues with senior Iraqi government and judicial officials, and religious and civil society leaders. The Assistant Secretary’s delegation, which included Knox Thames, Special Advisor for Religious Minorities, was joined by United States Ambassador […]

Amnesty Int'l Condemns 'Shocking Surge' in Death Sentences

From Amnesty International. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. The 40 death sentences handed down today in Iraq after a fundamentally flawed mass trial show a reckless disregard for justice and human life, said Amnesty International and brings the total sentenced in […]