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Iraqi Judiciary takes step toward increased freedom of expression
Through Joint efforts taken between UNESCO and the Iraqi judiciary since 2022 the Baghdad-Karkh Publishing and Media Court, presided over by Judge Amer Hassan Shanta, has now taken the decision to move publishing and media cases from a criminal path to a civil one.
This shift will be overseen by regulatory bodies such as the Communications and Media Commission (CMC). [News link in Arabic] () Judge Amer Hassan Shanta has confirmed that violations of broadcasting and media regulations will now fall under the CMC's sanctions regime, rather than be dealt with under criminal prosecution. This change should provide significant protection for media workers, allowing disputes to be resolved within a civil framework. UNESCO set three major milestones in its cooperation with the Iraqi judiciary under its 2022-2024 programs. These included: establishing specialized courts for publishing and media cases, forming a Freedom of Expression Judges' Council, and transferring freedom of expression cases to regulatory authorities instead of criminal courts.
This accomplishment comes as part of the “Breaking the Silence” project funded by the Dutch Embassy in Iraq, and the “Multi-Donor Program for Freedom of Expression and Journalist Safety (MDP),” marking a significant step in supporting freedom of expression in Iraq.
