Baghdad leads Iraq in press freedom violations, PFAA reports

These violations included a range of serious offenses, consisting of killings, arrests, detentions, threats, legal proceedings, and restrictions on press coverage.

Dec. 28, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Press Freedom Advocacy Association (PFAA) published its annual report on Saturday, detailing a record number of violations against journalists in Iraq, with the highest number of incidents occurring in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

As stated by the PFAA's report, a total of 457 violations against journalists were documented across Iraqi provinces throughout 2024.

These violations included a range of serious offenses, consisting of killings, arrests, detentions, threats, legal proceedings, and restrictions on press coverage.

According to the report, Baghdad has become the epicenter of the recent surge in press freedom violations, recording 105 incidents against journalists, the highest number among all Iraqi provinces.

The alarming figures reveal the ongoing challenges faced by media professionals in Iraq, in particular in the Iraqi capital city.

The rise in violations against journalists comes at a time when press freedom continues to be a critical indicator of democratic progress in Iraq.

The PFAA's annual report serves as a key document for monitoring press freedom conditions and advocating for enhanced protection of journalists' rights in Iraq.