CPTnet
19 December 2007
IRAQ: Kurdish journalists struggle for freedom of speech
by Michele Naar-Obed
In response to the passage of a censorship bill by the Kurdish Parliament,
over 200 independent journalists and writers gathered at Azadi Park in
Suleimaniya on Friday, 14 December 2007 in protest.
Journalists do not oppose the entire law but contend that ten points
endanger freedom of expression. On the surface, even the most contentious
points seem reasonable, such as making it illegal to publish anything that
would disrupt security or encourage terrorist actions. However, they are so
vaguely written that journalists fear that the government could construe
calling for a nonviolent anti-government demonstration a violation of the
security clause. Under the law, the government can prosecute journalists in
counterterrorism courts; the journalists can receive life sentences if
convicted.
Assos Hardi, editor of the weekly Kurdish newspaper Awena, said "This new
law will send journalists to prison, ban newspapers and allow for outrageous
fines under various pretexts."
Not all Parliament members favor of the law. One member, Suzan Shihab,
spoke against it at the demonstration saying "This law means silencing
people, journalists, and intellectuals who usually criticize the government
and its mistakes." Of the 111 lawmakers, fifty-seven attended the voting
session, eleven abstained, and seven voted against the law.
Kurdish president Massoud Barzani must approve the law before it is
finalized. A movement is underway to encourage him to veto it.
CPT's Iraq team has been following this situation closely over the past
month. Peggy Gish and Michele Naar-Obed attended the demonstration and
Naar-Obed spoke at the invitation of the organizers. "Many people in
America place great value on human rights, on freedom of speech and on
democracy," she said. "Our team has been trying to send your story out to
the U.S. about your struggle against this oppressive law. We thank you for
your willingness to struggle for your rights as journalists knowing that you
are subject to imprisonment, assault and even death. Many people in the US
will stand with you in support and try to offer you protection by keeping
you visible in the international community."
In 2007, a spate of assaults, jailings, and threats against journalists who
criticized party leaders occurred. The Committee for the Protection of
Journalists, an independent organization based in New York, came to
Kurdistan to investigate. When the organization learned about the
censorship bill, they denounced it, calling it "incompatible with the kind
of democratic society that Kurdish officials have publicly embraced."
A writer for the independent newspaper, Hawlati, was recently convicted
under a libel charge for reporting on a corruption case involving a tribal
leader. In one court appearance, he brought all the necessary documents
proving the credibility of his story. His case was dismissed but the court
then forced him to return and bring witnesses, which he did. Even so, the
court convicted him and sent him to prison. A judge stayed his prison
sentence, but if he incurs any other charges during a three-year
probationary period, he will have to go to jail.
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