Iraq: Protecting journalists in Iraq

'Iraq remains the most dangerous country in the world to be a journalist and nearly 200 journalists and other media workers have been killed there since the US-led invasion in 2003. In this context, there should have been widespread jubilation last month, when the Iraqi government published its draft law to protect journalists. Instead, hundreds of journalists, academics and activists staged a protest in Baghdad last week, voicing concern that the new law will stifle free expression and pave the way for increased government interference in their work. Article 19, which today releases its analysis of the draft journalists' protection law, welcomes moves by the Iraqi government to ensure better protection and safety for journalists but this particular piece of legislation falls far short of its objective.'

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URL Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/aug/28/iraq-draft-law-journalist-protection

Author Organisation: The Guardian