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.
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.
