Lawsuit Filed Against Journalist for Freedom of Expression

Press freedom is a cornerstone of any democratic system, and Iraqi authorities must recognize the vital role that journalists play in shaping public opinion and monitoring corruption and governance. When this group faces legal repercussions for the opinions of its members, advancing toward a democratic state that respects its citizens’ rights becomes increasingly challenging.

PM Al- Sudani Must Investigate the Assaults on Protesters in Baghdad

The Freedom of Expression Coalition strongly condemns this blatant violation of human rights, considering it a clear infringement on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly—rights that are enshrined in Article 38 of the Iraqi Constitution and are protected under international standards to which Iraq is obligated. The Coalition calls for an immediate and independent investigation into these incidents and demands that those responsible for these violations be held accountable. Failure to address this impunity will inevitably lead to further abuses.

Al-Kadhimi Files a Lawsuit Against a Journalist and Demands Financial Compensation

After leaving the court, Qais Hasan wrote: “As I left the court hearing and returned home exhausted, I asked myself why Al-Kadhimi chose to sue me. Did he dare to file a lawsuit against any of the powerful figures? Why was I singled out? And why didn’t any of the others I mentioned in my posts take legal action?” He added, “My posts about Al-Kadhimi and the prime ministers were as harsh as our reality. My words targeted officials and public figures, not individuals, because of the immense pain and failure we endure. Resorting to the law is undoubtedly a civilized act, and it is necessary for those who want to see a ‘respectable’ state".

Notes on the Proposals to Amend the Personal Status Law

The stipulation of Paragraph (A) of Article One of the amendment, which refers to “every Iraqi man and woman,” needs careful clarification in order to ensure that there are no judicial or legislative ambiguities that could be unfairly applied to individuals of other than the stipulated sects.

The Council of Representatives is Seeking to Undermine Freedoms through the Draft Law on the “FEPD"

For 13 years, civil society has been fighting to prevent the enforcement of this law in its current form. Several organizations have submitted their observations and proposals, working closely with parliamentary committees to refine the draft in alignment with the Iraqi Constitution and universal principles of human rights. However, despite these efforts, many political forces persist in wielding the law as a means of exerting pressure on the Iraqi people.Top of Form

Statement Concerning the Pursuits for Undermining Freedoms in Iraq

The latest direction issued by the Acting Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, to the Legal Department of the House to file judicial lawsuits against any individual or establishment that “offends” the legislative institution and the members of the House of Representatives is an extremely crucial directive; as it uses the stilted term “offends”.

The Coalition to Defend Freedom of Expression in Iraq

Sponsored by the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights and managed by partner organizations; the Coalition aims at protecting human rights, while creating remarkable space for holding discussions with the state bodies in order to fill the gap that was deepened all along the last two decades, while moving from acts of banishment and antagonism into mechanisms of discussion and finding commons.

Press release regarding the draft law on freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq ought to redress a journalist who uncovered the medical errors debacle