Skip to main content

Why journalists in Iraq face death threats

Journalists in Iraq are divided on why press freedom is restricted in the country, as some say that some reporters bring death threats on themselves by fabricating reports.
Iraqi journalists light candles at the site where Mohammed Badawi, the Baghdad bureau chief of Radio Free Iraq, was shot dead by a Kurdish officer in Baghdad's Jadriyah district March 22, 2014. Badawi was shot dead by the Kurdish officer at a checkpoint in Baghdad on Saturday as he went to work, provoking protests by other journalists and a promise by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to arrest the perpetrator.  REUTERS/Thaier al-Sudani (IRAQ - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS MEDIA) - RTR3I6H4
Read in 

BAGHDAD — 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 and originate from many sources.

Alhadath daily newspaper reported April 5 that Baghdad-based journalist Diyaa Hussein was beaten by an unknown armed group after he exposed corruption involving the Iraqi Police Sports Club.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.