In Iraq, article 38 of the constitution guarantees freedom of opinion and expression. But even though the Iraqi constitution is ample with terms such as democracy and freedoms, backward killings remain popular and a threat not only to the Iraqi citizens but more especially to journalists.
Iraqi journalists have become a constant victim of harassment and violence.
Shocking statistics show that more than 500 journalists have fallen victim to one or another act of terrorism since 2003. And the numbers continue to grow.
This January, unknown gunmen opened fire on a car carrying Dijlah TV reporter Ahmed Abdul Samad and camera operator Safaa Ghali, who were covering protests in the southern Iraqi city of Basra.
More so, less than a year ago, outspoken Iraqi novelist Alaa Mashzoub was shot by gunmen in front of his home in Karbala city in central Iraq.
Also in December, a video shared on social media showed the moment unidentified gunmen assassinated civil activist Fahem al-Taie in Karbala.
The bloody targeting of journalists and activists has been met with mere condemnations and denouncements from the country’s organizations, associations, and unions.
Inaction also describes the Iraqi government’s response to the killings. Authorities, apart from making the traditional denouncement, vow to bring the perpetrators to justice. A promise yet to be kept.
With mounting numbers of victims and ever-diminishing security, US-backed Al Hurra news station was forced to close its offices in Baghdad due to threats against journalists and offices.
Iraq’s interior ministry, in an attempt to limit attacks against media personnel, announced setting up a hotline specifically to receive complaints of media professionals and journalists.
Even though the measure is considered a step forward, it falls short from the security requirements that should be met in any presumable democracy.
