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Iraqi News
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq improves in 2025 World Press Freedom Index
Baghdad ( – Iraq has climbed to 155th place globally in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2025 World Press Freedom Index, an improvement from 169th in 2024 and 172nd in 2023. The Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq highlighted the ranking on Saturday (May 3, 2025), while noting an 'unprecedented deterioration' in press freedom worldwide. Fadel Al-Gharawi, head of the center, acknowledged the progress but emphasized persistent challenges. While ranking above some regional neighbours like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Iraq still tragically holds the record for the most journalists killed globally over the past 30 years (over 340). Al-Gharawi cited ongoing issues like restrictive laws, lack of media independence, and impunity for attacks against journalists as major concerns across the region and globally. The rights center strongly urged the Iraqi government and parliament to enact crucial legislation, including a 'Right to Access Information' law and a comprehensive press freedom protection law. Al-Gharawi called for enhanced security for journalists, prosecution of attackers to end impunity, and revising restrictive laws to align with international standards and the Iraqi constitution. While welcoming the improved ranking, the center stressed that sustained legislative and protective measures are vital for fostering true press freedom and democracy in Iraq, calling it a national responsibility.
Shafaq News
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq: A deadly place for journalists despite slight freedom index rise
Shafaq News/ Global press freedom is deteriorating at an unprecedented rate, with Iraq still struggling to safeguard journalists despite a modest improvement in its international ranking, a leading Iraqi rights advocate said on Saturday. The 2025 Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), ranked Iraq 155th globally, up from 169 in 2024 and 172 in 2023. Fadel Al-Gharawi, head of the Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq, pointed out that Iraq continues to hold the tragic distinction of having the highest number of journalists killed in the world over the past three decades, 'with more than 340 journalists lost out of a global total of 2,660.' He attributed the uneven global and regional press freedom landscape to "state censorship, restrictive legislation, lack of media independence, rising violations against journalists, and pervasive fear of legal reprisals." Al-Gharawi urged the Iraqi government and parliament to swiftly pass the long-delayed 'Right to Access Information' law to ensure transparency, strengthen anti-corruption efforts, and guarantee freedom of information. He also called for comprehensive legislation to protect journalistic freedoms and establish a safe legal environment for media workers. He further stressed the need to enhance legal and security protections for journalists, prosecute perpetrators of violations, and end the culture of impunity. Al-Gharawi advocated for revising restrictive media laws to align with the constitution and international standards. 'Protecting press freedom is a national responsibility and a cornerstone of Iraq's democratic future,' he said.
