Iraq’s "Resistance" Factions Shift to Major Crackdown on Media Spaces – The Washington Institute
Having stopped resisting U.S. forces (who shoot back), militias are focusing on unarmed activists in what appears to be a coordinated crackdown on freedom of expression.
Ever since Iraq's Tishreen protests of 2019, which the muqawama (resistance) brutally suppressed, Iranian-aligned militia groups have escalated their draconian campaign to silence any opposition in the media. Recent weeks have seen concerted attacks on anti-corruption campaigners by terrorist and militia factions in the judiciary, parliament, and government, echoed by muqawama media platforms.
Mobilizing the Judiciary
On February 18, Federal Supreme Court chief Jassem Mohammed Aboud sent a letter to Iraqi president Abdul Latif Rashid stating, The News Center on WhatsApp run by Mustafa Kamel and his group has positioned itself to evaluate government agencies and their caretakers...in a way that does not align with public order and ethics. He and those who partner with him make accusations and use immoral words, including Yahya al-Kubaisi" (Figure 1a). The letter continues: "It has been noticed that some officials in sensitive state positions are participating in [this activity]...All of this violates Article 226 of Iraqi Penal Code No. 111 of 1969, which states, 'Anyone who publicly insults the nations council [the parliament], government, courts, armed forces, organizational committees, public authorities, or official or semiofficial offices...shall be punished by a sentence that does not exceed seven years' imprisonment or a fine'...This court will take the necessary legal procedures about that (Figure 1b).
The letterappeared to cast Aboud as the complainant and the judge for this issue. The document was published online, probably on purpose, and received praise frommuqawama media, who no doubt hoped to intimidate activists and prevent them from appearing in the media or expressing their opinions on social media. More specifically,Aboudsignaled that Article 226 of the Baath-era publishing law, which bans criticism of state organs, would be enforced on a more regular basis going forward.
The Prime Minister and Parliament Join the Attack
In recent years, Iraqis have become accustomed to the theCommunications and Media Commission (CMC) banning activists from appearing on television based on accusations such as promoting Baathism or engaging with Israel. Prominent figures subjected to this censorship include the aforementioned Yahya al-Kubaisi, along with Rabee al-Jawari, Alaa al-Nashoo, Omar Abdal-Sattar, Ahmed al-Abyad, and Imad Bajalan.
This year, however, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has begun to bring Article 226 cases against media commentators who criticize him personally:
Assassinating Commentators: Easy to Do, Hard to Mention in Iraqi Media
On February 22, Fakhari Karim, the head of al-Mada for Media, Culture, and Arts, survived an assassination attempt by an unidentified armed group in the gated community of Qadisiyah, Baghdad. The next day, editor-in-chief Ghassan Charbel of the leading foreign newspaperAsharq al-Awsattweeted that Baghdad had become a factory of assassinations.
In response, Iraq'sal-Ahd TV, run by the U.S.-designated terrorist group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, interviewed formerSpokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed ForcesAbdul Karim Khalaf, who said that Charbel must be sued...This shouldnt pass, the tweet is clear targeting (Figure 4).
A Clear and Disturbing Trend
Article 226 of the old Baath Penal Code is being readied for widespread use against critics of the Sudani government. In other words, a democracy that the United States helped build is planning to send its freedom of expression back to the era of brutal dictatorship. The Iran-backed terrorist groups and militias that control Sudani and his government are trying to snuff out all public criticism of abuses carried out by their personnel, the state organs they run, and even the prime minister himself.
These abuses and censorship efforts demand a significant international response, perhaps including U.S. postponement of Sudanis planned April visit to the White House. Failing that, terrorist groups will conclude that they have a green light to shift their war against U.S. forces into a war against all those who oppose militia rule of Iraq. The U.S. military can protect itself, but unarmed Iraqi citizens cannot; they need international actors to stand up for them.
Read the original here:
Iraq's "Resistance" Factions Shift to Major Crackdown on Media Spaces - The Washington Institute
- Robert Pether released on bail from jail in Iraq - RTE.ie - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- I reported on the war in Iraq. Now Im back as a tourist - The Times - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- After Iran-Iraq, Donald Trump now targets Hindus of this country, to be expelled from - India.Com - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- South Korea books 11th straight World Cup berth with 2-0 win over Iraq - - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- South Korea beat Iraq to qualify for 11th successive World Cup - Reuters - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- CENTCOM touts string of May operations that dealt hit to ISIS in Iraq and Syria - Stars and Stripes - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- S. Korea beats Iraq to qualify for its 11th straight World Cup - The Korea Herald - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Archaeologists find new evidence of ancient slave labor in southern Iraq - AP News - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Trkiye to double power exports to Iraq, expanding interconnection line to 600 MW - Trkiye Today - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Former Southaven Alderman and Iraq War veteran William Brooks to receive new home from Tunnel to Towers Foundation - DeSoto Times-Tribune - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Iraq holds Kurdish government legally responsible for continued oil smuggling - The Jerusalem Post - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- Iraqi Sunni Tribal Leader Ali Hatem Al-Suleiman Responds To PM Al-Sudani's Remarks That Iraq Will Not Recognize Israel: It Is Just Electioneering ... - June 7th, 2025 [June 7th, 2025]
- President Aoun begins official visit to Iraq - Naharnet - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- A double amputee who served in Iraq is pushing lawmakers to end the 'wounded veterans tax' - NBC News - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Is Iraq Ready To Stand Alone Against Extremist Threats If US Withdrawal Goes Ahead? Analysis - Eurasia Review - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- First edition of Oil and Gas Technology Exhibition kicks off in Iraq - Xinhua - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Iraq, Lebanon leaders call for urgent intervention to save the people of Gaza - Tehran Times - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Iraq, But Funny Weaves History And Humor In Lookingglass Theatres New Dark Comedy - Block Club Chicago - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Iraq, Lebanon call for urgent action to save Gaza amid ongoing Israeli assault - Middle East Monitor - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- World heritage dries up: The silent exodus of Iraq's Maxwell otter - Shafaq News - - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- EIA: Iraq's oil exports to US climb over the week - Shafaq News - - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Iraq launches water initiative as reserves hit 80-year low - The Watchers - Watching the world evolve and transform - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- US Marine and Iraq war vet who volunteered to fight for Ukraine killed by a Russian drone strike - New York Post - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- China Tightens Grip on Iraq's Energy Future with Massive Basra Megaproject - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Iraq says Israel ready to free Hezbollah captives as part of Tsurkov deal - Naharnet - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Outrageous reason family of fallen Iraq war hero were told to remove their Memorial Day tribute - Daily Mail - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Concord mother finds solace in sharing the story of her son who died in Iraq - Queen City News - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Met Museum Surrenders Artifacts Thought Looted From Iraq - The New York Times - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- Spectacular find: Monumental images of gods discovered at Nineveh in Iraq - Euronews.com - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- On the menu, not at the table: Iraq's growing irrelevance in the region - Shafaq News - - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- Photographing Iraq: This Isnt the Country You Think You Know - PetaPixel - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- Iraq rediscovers its forgotten Somalian refinery after 45 years - MSN - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- Remembering David Hodson: Knoxville veteran who led 150 Marines to Iraq and back dies at 76 - WATE 6 On Your Side - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- Spectacular find: Monumental images of gods discovered at Nineveh in Iraq - MSN - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- Iraq rediscovers its forgotten Somalian refinery after 45 years - bne IntelliNews - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- Iraq, monumental relief discovered with last great Assyrian king and gods in ancient city of Nineveh - Finestre sull'Arte - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- Iraq to launch Baghdad metro project later this year - Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBI - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- Spectacular Find in the Ancient City of Nineveh Iraq - ArtDependence - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- Iraq Imports Over 77,000 Tonnes of Australian Wheat in 2024 - UkrAgroConsult - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- A fisherman on Iraq's receding marshes that straddle the border with Iran - IslanderNews.com - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- PM: Iraq gave important initiatives about digital transformation at the Arab Summit - ina.iq - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- Measuring Transition To E-Governance In Iraq - Mirage News - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- UN Mission in Iraq to officially conclude by the end of 2025 - Iraqi News - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- Al-Sudani meets with the New Commander of NATO Mission in Iraq - ina.iq - May 19th, 2025 [May 19th, 2025]
- Iraq look to former Australia coach Arnold to boost 2026 World Cup hopes - Al Jazeera - May 11th, 2025 [May 11th, 2025]
- Dollar dives in Iraq: Factions' gambit or economic progress? - Shafaq News - - May 11th, 2025 [May 11th, 2025]
- Norris Burkes: Returning from Iraq, a hard landing and 'flying on a wing and a prayer' - Springfield News-Leader - May 11th, 2025 [May 11th, 2025]
- Iraq and Trkiye Ink Defence Deals As They Vow To Pressure Israel on Gaza - Center for a New American Security - May 11th, 2025 [May 11th, 2025]
- Why Trump is now deporting Iraq War veteran with American father who held green card for years - Daily Mail - May 11th, 2025 [May 11th, 2025]
- Iraq tells Turkey it needs more time to restart Kurdish oil exports - rudaw.net - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Turkey and Iraq reaffirm commitment to work against Kurdish militants and other security threats - AP News - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Trumps deportation lies are nothing new: Remember Bush, WMD and Iraq? - Salon.com - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Iraq's prime minister visits Turkey as neighbors work to strengthen cooperation - ABC News - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Pedestrian bridge in Whitehouse dedicated to Sgt. Andy Eckert, 20 years after he was killed in Iraq - WTVG - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- US-led 1991 Iraq slaughter: Opening guns of World War III - The Militant - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Q&A: Hassan Mohammed Hassan, director general of the Iraqi Drilling Company - Iraq Oil Report - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Russia's Ambassador To Iraq Meets Leader Of Iran-Backed Militia In Iraq, Signaling Deepening Ties - MEMRI | Middle East Media Research Institute - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Norris Burkes: Returning from Iraq, a hard landing and 'flying on a wing and a prayer' - Yahoo News - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Iran expands air navigation co-op with Iraq, UAE at regional aviation summit - Tehran Times - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Turkey and Iraq reaffirm commitment to work against Kurdish militants and other security threats - The Sun Chronicle - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Turkey and Iraq reaffirm commitment to work against Kurdish militants and other security threats - Ottumwa Courier - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Development Road Project to drive prosperity for Iraq and region, Erdoan says - Hrriyet Daily News - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- A GOP rep was awarded a Bronze Star for his bravery in Iraq. Those he reportedly saved cant remember him being there - Yahoo - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Turkey and Iraq reaffirm commitment to work against Kurdish militants and other security threats - WHEC.com - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Turkey and Iraq call for progress on lucrative 'development road' linking to Gulf - thenationalnews.com - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Iraq's prime minister visits Turkey as neighbors work to strengthen cooperation - The Independent - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Iraq's Oil Exports to India Topped $29 Billion in 2024 - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - May 8th, 2025 [May 8th, 2025]
- Former minister named Trkiyes special representative to Iraq | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - May 8th, 2025 [May 8th, 2025]
- Press advocacy group urges restoration of suspended Iraq political talk show - Jurist.org - May 8th, 2025 [May 8th, 2025]
- The Strategic Implications of Irans Shrinking Economic Leverage in Iraq - Middle East Forum - May 8th, 2025 [May 8th, 2025]
- Iraq warns of water crisis before PM Al-Sudani's visit to Turkey - The New Arab - May 8th, 2025 [May 8th, 2025]
- From Croatia to Iraq: The French Fighter Jet Rafale Is in Hot Demand - The National Interest - May 8th, 2025 [May 8th, 2025]
- Azerbaijan and Iraq discuss boosting interparliamentary ties - Latest news from Azerbaijan - May 8th, 2025 [May 8th, 2025]
- Severe sandstorms engulf Saudi Arabia and Iraq - The Watchers - Watching the world evolve and transform - May 8th, 2025 [May 8th, 2025]
- Analysis: Iraq is not-so-seriously attempting to exert control over militias and weapons - Long War Journal - May 3rd, 2025 [May 3rd, 2025]
- Iraq Veteran Says Trump Tariffs Sinking Her Baby Products Business - Newsweek - May 3rd, 2025 [May 3rd, 2025]
- Suspected ISIS member arrested in connection with New Orleans attack, Iraq says - USA Today - May 3rd, 2025 [May 3rd, 2025]
- ISIS-linked suspect arrested in Iraq tied to New Years Bourbon Street terror attack - fox8live.com - May 3rd, 2025 [May 3rd, 2025]
- Silenced voices: The treacherous reality for journalists in Iraq - Shafaq News - - May 3rd, 2025 [May 3rd, 2025]
- Iraq and World Health Organization Celebrate World Health Day 2025 with the Launch of the National Strategy for the Health of Women, Children, and... - May 3rd, 2025 [May 3rd, 2025]