Iraqi court issues arrest warrant for TV owner over ‘insults’ of religious symbols

An Iraqi court has issued an arrest warrant for a music streaming TV channel, accusing it of “insults” against religious symbols, a decree from the court read on Monday.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – An Iraqi court has issued an arrest warrant for a music streaming TV channel, accusing it of “insults” against religious symbols, a decree from the court read on Monday.

Dijla Tarab is an Iraqi music channel owned by Jamal Karbouli, an Iraqi politician and businessman. The channel broadcasts traditional and indigenous Iraqi songs and music.

A group of Iraqi lawyers filed complaints in Baghdad’s Rusafa Court over “insults” by the channel which broadcasted songs during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, in which Shias in Iraq and around the world commemorate and mourn the murder of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussien.

The channel’s music broadcast during Muharram has been considered an “insult” to Shia rituals by the plaintiffs, a charge that came days before Ashura, the 10th day of the Islamic month which marks the day Hussein was killed in the Battle of Karbala 680 AD.

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The court announced an arrest warrant for Karbouli, who is charged with violating the Iraqi Penal Code’s religious sensibilities. The law punishes the violators with detention not exceeding three years or a fine.

The TV owner is also the brother of Iraqi Sunni politician Mohammad Karbouli, who heads the al-Hal (Solution) Party.

Immediately after the outrage over the broadcast, the TV’s management apologized and decided to temporally halt its broadcasting, clarifying it was “unintentional.”

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany