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Iraqi journalists face threats, murder

In the absence of deterrent laws and decisive action by the government, Iraqi journalists continue to face all manner of threats, including kidnapping, murder and persecution.
Journalists and security forces take cover from a mortar shell of clashes during a battle with Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq, November 30, 2016  REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani - RTSU1LY

BAGHDAD — Abdul Qader al-Qaisi has become Iraq's first slain journalist in 2017. He was kidnapped Jan. 1, and security forces found his body Jan. 5, dumped on the road between Kirkuk and Baghdad. Qaisi was a member of the Kurdistan Syndicate of Journalists and he was also the lawyer of former Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi

Two days before Qaisi's body was found, Iraqi journalist Afrah Shawqi was released after being kidnapped and held for nine days.

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