Latest news with #CommunicationsandMediaCommission
MTV Lebanon
3 days ago
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Iraq suspends licenses of 10 satellite channels for "fomenting sectarianism and violence"
Iraq suspended the licenses of 10 satellite television channels, including Qatar-based Al-Jazeera, for promoting violence and sectarianism, a senior official at the country's media watchdog said on Sunday. "We took a decision to suspend the license of some satellite channels that adopted language encouraging violence and sectarianism," Mujahid Abu al-Hail of the Communications and Media Commission told AFP. "It means stopping their work in Iraq and their activities, so they cannot cover events in Iraq or move around," Hail said. The suspended channels included pan-Arab network Al-Jazeera and Sharqiya, a leading channel in Iraq. The move comes after a wave of violence that began on Tuesday with clashes between security forces and Sunni Arab protesters in northern Iraq that has killed a total of more than 215 people. The violence is the deadliest so far linked to demonstrations that broke out in Sunni areas of the Shiite-majority country more than four months ago. The Sunni protesters have called for the resignation of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and railed against authorities for allegedly targeting their community, including what they say are wrongful detentions and accusations of involvement in terrorism.
Iraqi News
16-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Digital Platforms Provided to Facilitate Journalists' Coverage of the Arab League Summit: Abu Ragheef
The Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission, Nawfal Abu Ragheef, announced on Friday the provision of digital platforms to support journalists covering the upcoming Arab Summit. Abu Ragheef stated, 'In cooperation with the Media Office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, the Commission has been engaged for the past ten days in exceptional efforts across all levels and sectors. This work has been coordinated with relevant entities, including professional unions, technical bodies, official institutions, and other concerned entities as part of the preparations for the summit.' He added that the Commission has established key service providers to provide exceptional internet and telecommunications coverage. Additionally, a dedicated platform has been launched to collect information related to participating journalists, including contact details and relevant data, in order to streamline their coverage of the event. 'This moment marks a significant and exceptional event for Iraq,' Abu Ragheef noted, 'underscoring Baghdad's historic leadership role in fostering dialogue, promoting peace, and advancing reconciliation throughout the country's history.' He emphasized that the presence of Arab leaders and presidents in Baghdad for the summit represents an important milestone and a further sign of Iraq's ongoing recovery—an encouraging addition to the country's broader trajectory of resurgence in recent years.
Shafaq News
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's media regulator cracks down: TV host banned
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, Iraq's media regulator imposed disciplinary measures on a television presenter and suspended a current affairs program for allegedly breaching national broadcast standards. The Communications and Media Commission announced a three-month suspension for presenter Salam Adel Faleh. During this period, Faleh is prohibited from appearing on television or engaging in any media-related activities. The decision followed a review of programs featuring Faleh, which included content deemed by the commission as inciting violence and hatred. The commission also suspended Al-Haq Yoqal, a program aired on the private UTV channel and hosted by journalist Adnan Al-Taie. The April 30 episode was flagged for violations of national broadcasting guidelines. These actions come amid ongoing concerns over press freedom in Iraq, which remains, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, one of the most challenging environments for journalists globally.
Iraqi News
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Abu Raghif: We stand with press freedom as a fundamental pillar for the prosperity of democracy
Baghdad - INA Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission, Nawfal Abu Raghif, affirmed today, Saturday, our support for a free press as a fundamental pillar for the prosperity of democracy. In a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Abu Raghif said, "With reverence, pride, and appreciation, we commemorate World Press Freedom Day on May 3 of each year. On this significant annual occasion, living consciences celebrate the renewal of the pledge and adherence to the values of free speech and humane stances. Efforts combine to promote press freedom worldwide. Free peoples champion the independence of speech and stand confidently with the media and its noble mission in promoting freedoms and confronting all forms of intimidation, misinformation, and restrictions that hinder expression." He continued, "We, at the Communications and Media Commission, while affirming our constitutional and professional commitment to a sound media landscape, affirm Iraq's diverse, unified, democratic identity. We stand with press freedom as a fundamental pillar for the prosperity of democracy and responsible freedom. We will continue our tireless work to create a safe and independent environment for journalists, enabling them to perform their duties with professionalism, dignity, and transparency." He continued, "On this special, momentous day, we must remember with deep gratitude the sacrifices of journalists who gave their lives to convey the truth, serving as beacons and lamps that illuminate the path." He added, "We also appreciate the courageous efforts of our colleagues working in media institutions across the spectrum, despite the grave challenges and risks, in order to elevate the voice of citizenship and the public interest."
Iraqi News
10-04-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Abu Raghif: Iraq does not allow communications that conflict with its national sovereignty
Baghdad – INA The Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission, Nawfal Abu Raghif, discussed with Rebecca Hunter, the Senior Director of Global Licensing and Market Activation at Starlink-SpaceX, on Thursday, ensuring sovereignty over radio frequency space. The Commission said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission, Nawfal Abu Raghif, received Rebecca Hunter, the Senior Director of Global Licensing and Market Activation at Starlink-SpaceX, at the Commission's headquarters in Baghdad, to discuss regulatory procedures for the Starlink service within Iraq." The Commission added that "Abu Raghif reviewed during the meeting the legal framework from which the Commission regulates the telecommunications sector, based on its effective Law No. (65) of 2004." She continued, "The meeting included discussions on the requirements for granting an official license for the Starlink service within Iraq, emphasizing the need to resolve unlicensed uses and address their technical and legal implications, ensuring the orderly launch of the service within clear and stable frameworks." He explained that "the meeting addressed mechanisms for integration with national networks and local service providers, and explored the possibility of market sharing in a manner that preserves the rights of national operators, promotes fair competition, and expands options for users." Abu Raghif emphasized that "all telecommunications services within the country are subject to sovereign and regulatory standards that guarantee the protection of the frequency space and the maintenance of the national telecommunications infrastructure." He explained that "Iraq does not permit communications to be routed through any systems or countries that conflict with its national sovereignty." He emphasized that "the Commission is open to serious international investments, provided they fully comply with Iraqi laws and approved regulatory controls, in a manner that serves the country's technological development and digital transformation." The meeting was attended by Mohammed Al-Gharbawi, Deputy Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission for Technical Affairs, and Sam Turer, Director of Licensing and Global Development at Starlink.
