Iraq pulls licenses of Al-Jazeera, other channels
By SINAN SALAHEDDIN | Associated Press – 1 hr 20 mins ago.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi authorities announced Sunday that they had revoked the operating licenses of pan-Arab broadcaster Al-Jazeera and nine other satellite TV channels, alleging that they are promoting a sectarian agenda as the country grapples with a wave of violence.
The move, effective immediately, comes as Baghdad tries to quell rising unrest in the country following clashes at a protest camp last week.
More than 180 people have been killed in gunbattles with security forces and other attacks since the unrest began Tuesday. The violence follows more than four months of largely peaceful protests by Iraq's Sunni Muslim minority against the Shiite-dominated government.
Al-Jazeera, based in the small, energy-rich Gulf nation of Qatar, said it was "astonished" by the move.
"We cover all sides of the stories in Iraq, and have done for many years. The fact that so many channels have been hit all at once though suggests this is an indiscriminate decision," it said in an emailed statement.
"We urge the authorities to uphold freedom for the media to report the important stories taking place in Iraq," it added.
The channel has aggressively covered the "Arab Spring" uprisings across the region, and has broadcast extensively on the civil war in neighboring Syria. Qatar itself is a harsh critic of the Syrian regime and a leading backer of the rebels, and is accused by many supporters of Iraq's Shiite-led government of backing protests in Iraq too.
Iraq and other governments across the Middle East have temporarily shut down Al-Jazeera's offices in the past because they were disgruntled by its coverage.
The other nine channels whose licenses were suspended by Iraq's Communications and Media Commission are al-Sharqiya and al-Sharqiya News, which frequently criticize the government, and seven smaller local channels — Salahuddin, Fallujah, Taghyeer, Baghdad, Babiliya, Anwar 2 and al-Gharbiya.
In a statement posted on its website, the commission blamed the banned stations for the escalation of a sectarian backdrop that is fueling the violence that followed the deadly clashes at the Hawija camp on Tuesday.
Iraq's media commission accused the stations of misleading and exaggerated reports, as well as of airing "clear calls for disorder and for launching retaliatory criminal attacks against security forces." It also blamed the stations for promoting "banned terrorist organizations who committed crimes against Iraqi people."
The decree states that if the 10 stations try to work on Iraqi territory, they will face legal action from security forces.
Signals of their broadcasts, however, remained available to Iraqi viewers Sunday.
The decision came as Iraq's embattled Shiite Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, made a rare appearance at an official funeral for five soldiers killed by gunmen in Iraq's Sunni-dominated Anbar province Saturday. Local police in the province said the soldiers were killed in a gunbattle after their vehicle was stopped.
The United States Embassy condemned the killing, and described the soldiers as unarmed.
"There is no justification for this crime, and we welcome the calls by local and national leaders in Anbar Province to bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible," it said in a statement Thursday evening.
The Embassy last week raised concerns about the clashes in Hawija, without assigning blame for the incident. In its latest statements, it again called for an urgent and transparent investigation.
Authorities gave protest organizers a 24-deadline to hand over the gunmen behind the killing or face a "firm response." No one has been handed over and the deadline passed.
Wrapped in Iraqi flags, the five caskets were loaded on military trucks next to flower bouquets, as soldiers held pictures of the deceased and grieved families gathered outside the Defense Ministry building in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone.
"We hope that the chieftains of tribes and key figures in Anbar province who carried out an honorable role and condemned the act will exert their utmost efforts to hand over the killers," Ministry spokesman General Mohammed al-Askari said. "Certainly we support the peaceful solutions of wise men," al-Askari added.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
By SINAN SALAHEDDIN | Associated Press – 1 hr 20 mins ago.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi authorities announced Sunday that they had revoked the operating licenses of pan-Arab broadcaster Al-Jazeera and nine other satellite TV channels, alleging that they are promoting a sectarian agenda as the country grapples with a wave of violence.
The move, effective immediately, comes as Baghdad tries to quell rising unrest in the country following clashes at a protest camp last week.
More than 180 people have been killed in gunbattles with security forces and other attacks since the unrest began Tuesday. The violence follows more than four months of largely peaceful protests by Iraq's Sunni Muslim minority against the Shiite-dominated government.
Al-Jazeera, based in the small, energy-rich Gulf nation of Qatar, said it was "astonished" by the move.
"We cover all sides of the stories in Iraq, and have done for many years. The fact that so many channels have been hit all at once though suggests this is an indiscriminate decision," it said in an emailed statement.
"We urge the authorities to uphold freedom for the media to report the important stories taking place in Iraq," it added.
The channel has aggressively covered the "Arab Spring" uprisings across the region, and has broadcast extensively on the civil war in neighboring Syria. Qatar itself is a harsh critic of the Syrian regime and a leading backer of the rebels, and is accused by many supporters of Iraq's Shiite-led government of backing protests in Iraq too.
Iraq and other governments across the Middle East have temporarily shut down Al-Jazeera's offices in the past because they were disgruntled by its coverage.
The other nine channels whose licenses were suspended by Iraq's Communications and Media Commission are al-Sharqiya and al-Sharqiya News, which frequently criticize the government, and seven smaller local channels — Salahuddin, Fallujah, Taghyeer, Baghdad, Babiliya, Anwar 2 and al-Gharbiya.
In a statement posted on its website, the commission blamed the banned stations for the escalation of a sectarian backdrop that is fueling the violence that followed the deadly clashes at the Hawija camp on Tuesday.
Iraq's media commission accused the stations of misleading and exaggerated reports, as well as of airing "clear calls for disorder and for launching retaliatory criminal attacks against security forces." It also blamed the stations for promoting "banned terrorist organizations who committed crimes against Iraqi people."
The decree states that if the 10 stations try to work on Iraqi territory, they will face legal action from security forces.
Signals of their broadcasts, however, remained available to Iraqi viewers Sunday.
The decision came as Iraq's embattled Shiite Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, made a rare appearance at an official funeral for five soldiers killed by gunmen in Iraq's Sunni-dominated Anbar province Saturday. Local police in the province said the soldiers were killed in a gunbattle after their vehicle was stopped.
The United States Embassy condemned the killing, and described the soldiers as unarmed.
"There is no justification for this crime, and we welcome the calls by local and national leaders in Anbar Province to bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible," it said in a statement Thursday evening.
The Embassy last week raised concerns about the clashes in Hawija, without assigning blame for the incident. In its latest statements, it again called for an urgent and transparent investigation.
Authorities gave protest organizers a 24-deadline to hand over the gunmen behind the killing or face a "firm response." No one has been handed over and the deadline passed.
Wrapped in Iraqi flags, the five caskets were loaded on military trucks next to flower bouquets, as soldiers held pictures of the deceased and grieved families gathered outside the Defense Ministry building in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone.
"We hope that the chieftains of tribes and key figures in Anbar province who carried out an honorable role and condemned the act will exert their utmost efforts to hand over the killers," Ministry spokesman General Mohammed al-Askari said. "Certainly we support the peaceful solutions of wise men," al-Askari added.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Today at 7:30 am by Rocky
» utube 5/4/24 MM&C Iraq Dinar- IQD Update - No Float of Exchange Rate - Budget -2024 - Schedules -
Today at 7:29 am by Rocky
» “Services” asks the Central Bank about billions of foreign banks in Iraq
Today at 7:27 am by Rocky
» Central Bank: Iraqi banks still face challenges in complying with international laws and standards
Today at 7:24 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary bloc: The Central Bank offers hard currency to “mafias” on a golden platter.. The Suda
Today at 7:20 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Central Auction witnesses a rise in foreign remittances to $267 million
Today at 7:19 am by Rocky
» Wednesday.. The session to elect the President of the Iraqi Parliament is heading towards “Al-Issawi
Today at 7:14 am by Rocky
» The Union of Arab Banks proposes 4 “important” points for Iraqi banks to meet compliance standards
Today at 7:12 am by Rocky
» In the document... the Central Bank decides to return the “Al-Mal” Bank to work... in this case
Today at 7:08 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi-American agreements and cooperation were the most prominent topics of Al-Araji and Romanow
Today at 7:06 am by Rocky
» Al-Hakim meets a joint delegation of resolve and sovereignty and renews the call to hold a session t
Today at 7:05 am by Rocky
» Nearly one billion dinars were recovered and 3 million liters of fuel intended for smuggling in Iraq
Today at 7:03 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani and the European Union ambassador discuss issues of economic partnerships, civil aviation,
Today at 6:59 am by Rocky
» More than 950 million dinars... petroleum products announced their recovery
Today at 6:57 am by Rocky
» Forming a committee to follow up on stopping the sale of the dollar to travelers
Today at 6:54 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Justice visits Al-Muthanna Governorate to discuss mechanisms for developing judicial
Today at 6:52 am by Rocky
» Agriculture: Farmers who were affected by the recent rains will be compensated
Today at 6:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed issues a warning regarding applying for advances and loans
Today at 6:49 am by Rocky
» Al-Rafidain announces the implementation of the comprehensive banking system in its main branch
Today at 5:24 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed warns of offices and pages claiming to promote the Salaf
Today at 5:22 am by Rocky
» Adviser to the Prime Minister: There are no conflicts in the route of the Baghdad Metro
Today at 5:19 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: We are keen to develop the work of the TBI Bank and address the problems it faces
Today at 5:18 am by Rocky
» Agriculture explains the mechanism of implementing the calendar program and its economic gains
Today at 5:17 am by Rocky
» “The shocks have changed.” The Governor of the Central Bank explains the impact of the openness of I
Today at 5:16 am by Rocky
» The President of the Association of Private Banks sends an “important” invitation to the Central Ban
Today at 5:15 am by Rocky
» Al-Alaq: The Iraqi banking sector has witnessed significant qualitative developments in response to
Today at 5:12 am by Rocky
» On behalf of Al-Sudani, the Minister of Planning sponsors the signing ceremony of a memorandum of un
Today at 5:11 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Travel Companies Association participates in the Arab Travel Market Exhibition
Today at 5:10 am by Rocky
» The start of the work of the Iraqi-Jordanian Economic Forum
Today at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Integrity Commission at the Arab Anti-Corruption Convention Conference
Today at 5:06 am by Rocky
» Election of the Speaker of Parliament between amendment and disruption
Today at 5:05 am by Rocky
» Plans to increase the real estate bank's capital
Today at 5:03 am by Rocky
» The Central Bank sells more than $276 million in the currency auction
Today at 5:02 am by Rocky
» Advisor to the Prime Minister: We are heading towards a complete transformation of the electronic pa
Today at 5:01 am by Rocky
» Savings and financial inclusion
Today at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Agriculture expects to market 6 million tons of wheat
Today at 4:58 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani chairs the first meeting of the Supreme Committee for Restructuring the Government Apparat
Today at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives an official invitation to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Confer
Today at 4:55 am by Rocky
» "Baghdad Today" in the southern refineries: The Azmara unit will reduce imported gasoline and hard c
Today at 4:54 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani stresses the importance of supporting the pillars of food security
Today at 4:51 am by Rocky
» Kurdistan is an important oasis for investment. Security and economic stability eliminates the housi
Today at 4:50 am by Rocky
» Politician: Comparing Al-Halbousi to Al-Maliki is not up for discussion
Today at 4:46 am by Rocky
» The Kurdistan Democratic Party demands international supervision of the region's elections
Today at 4:45 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani heads to Italy next week on an official visit
Today at 4:44 am by Rocky
» Warnings of challenges delaying budget approval, most notably the deficit
Today at 4:43 am by Rocky
» The Ministry of Oil sets the launch date for the fifth and sixth licensing rounds
Today at 4:41 am by Rocky
» Rafidain Bank announces the implementation of the comprehensive banking system in its main branch
Today at 4:40 am by Rocky
» Central Bank Governor: The banking sector is witnessing major qualitative developments
Today at 4:39 am by Rocky
» Economic: Neighboring countries do not import from Iraq for fear of fraud
Yesterday at 10:43 am by Rocky
» The Central Bank of Iraq sells more than $276 million in currency auction
Yesterday at 9:16 am by Rocky
» Agreement on the presidency of Parliament: Did Al-Halbousi win?
Yesterday at 7:09 am by Rocky
» Because of his corruption... Al-Karawi calls for Al-Halbousi to be held accountable
Yesterday at 7:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Shammari: The American presence in Iraq has no legal cover
Yesterday at 7:06 am by Rocky
» A story titled: Al-Fartusi, the Iraqi ports, and the 160 Committee
Yesterday at 7:04 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Finance of the Kurdistan Region expects the date of Baghdad’s sending of salaries fo
Yesterday at 7:03 am by Rocky
» What is the importance of conducting a pilot population census in Iraq?
Yesterday at 7:01 am by Rocky
» The start of the meetings of the sixth session of the joint Iraqi-Iranian committee in Tehran
Yesterday at 6:58 am by Rocky
» The budget schedules did not reach the Council of Ministers
Yesterday at 6:54 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Planning directs the installation and operation of gold screening units at Iraqi air
Yesterday at 6:52 am by Rocky
» Government advisor: Collections will shift almost completely to electronic payment in the middle of
Yesterday at 6:51 am by Rocky
» A politician accuses the American embassy of attracting parties inside Iraq to confuse the situation
Yesterday at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Deputy: The anti-prostitution law blocks the way for destructive ideas
Yesterday at 5:06 am by Rocky
» State of Law: A political agreement to resolve the position of Speaker of Parliament...these are its
Yesterday at 5:05 am by Rocky
» Kurdistan Parliament elections.. The insistence of the two parties intensifies and an international
Yesterday at 5:04 am by Rocky
» Jordan considers Iraq one of its "most important" main partners in the investment field
Yesterday at 5:02 am by Rocky
» Advisor to the Prime Minister: Iraq is a fertile environment for projects, and there is an expansion
Yesterday at 5:01 am by Rocky
» Parliament is close to approving the renewable energy project law
Yesterday at 5:00 am by Rocky
» The delay surrounds five Iraqi ministries.. What is the relationship with the budget?
Yesterday at 4:58 am by Rocky
» Basra Council threatens: We will not accept unreliable companies to work in Qurna service projects
Yesterday at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Iraq intends to convert collections to electronic payment in mid-2024
Yesterday at 4:54 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary Committee: 5 ministries whose completion rates are “low”
Yesterday at 4:53 am by Rocky
» Completion of the five-year national development plan 2024-2028
Yesterday at 4:51 am by Rocky
» Investment opportunities in the ancient city of Ur
Yesterday at 4:50 am by Rocky
» Today.. Baghdad hosts leading scientists and researchers in the field of artificial intelligence
Yesterday at 4:49 am by Rocky
» Conditions and horrors
Yesterday at 4:47 am by Rocky
» Democratic conditions threaten Kurdistan elections and embarrass the Commission
Yesterday at 4:46 am by Rocky
» “Consensus” disrupts laws in parliamentary culture
Yesterday at 4:44 am by Rocky
» Iraq celebrates “World Press Freedom Day”
Yesterday at 4:43 am by Rocky
» Including Iraq... five countries possess more than 1,000 tons of gold
Yesterday at 4:41 am by Rocky
» Davos is between two stations, is Iraq the third?
Yesterday at 4:40 am by Rocky
» Specialists: The food basket was a buffer to mitigate the blow of high prices
Yesterday at 4:39 am by Rocky
» Al-Rafidain Bank announces the implementation of the comprehensive banking system in its Hindi branc
Yesterday at 4:34 am by Rocky
» Learn about the proposed law replacing punishment with financial sums
Yesterday at 4:33 am by Rocky
» With the beginning of summer... poor services and a spiral of crises afflict the citizens of Kurdist
Yesterday at 4:30 am by Rocky
» A new scandal involving one of the “ten promising companies in Basra”... the Iraqi Plain strikes con
Yesterday at 4:29 am by Rocky
» With a package of files... Barzani to Tehran and Talabani to Washington next week
Yesterday at 4:28 am by Rocky
» An expert reveals the size of the "gas gap" in Iraq: Achieving sufficiency within 3 years is very di
Yesterday at 4:25 am by Rocky
» To reach an agreement on 10 memorandums...the start of the meetings of the sixth session of the Iraq
Yesterday at 4:24 am by Rocky
» The dollar is declining slightly against the Iraqi dinar in local markets
Yesterday at 4:22 am by Rocky
» Deputy: 4 factors hinder Iraqi development.. one of them is a 90% reduction - urgent
Yesterday at 4:21 am by Rocky
» Revealing the reason for its delay.. Elekti sets the date for sending the salaries of Kurdistan Regi
Yesterday at 4:19 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi development road project, ambitions and expected challenges
Yesterday at 4:18 am by Rocky
» Laws were enacted but did not find their way into implementation
Yesterday at 4:16 am by Rocky
» Iraq: Political withdrawals hamper the work of Parliament
Yesterday at 4:14 am by Rocky
» The continued fluctuation of the dollar exchange rates worries traders and citizens
Yesterday at 4:13 am by Rocky
» Vice: Nour Zuhair and his companions manage Iraqi ports
Yesterday at 4:10 am by Rocky
» The President of the Kurdistan Region visits Tehran today and meets with senior Iranian officials
Yesterday at 4:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Maliki confirms Iraq's openness to all countries of the world
Yesterday at 4:07 am by Rocky
» The World Bank is preparing to issue a human capital report in Iraq
Yesterday at 4:06 am by Rocky