Journalists Detained and Tortured in Dhi Qar for Reporting Corruption and Protests

The deteriorating press freedom situation in Dhi Qar has built notable impediments for journalists trying to access information about administrative corruption within government departments.

Jan. 12, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Several journalists in Iraq's southern province of Dhi Qar are encountering harsh professional restrictions and persecution, especially in the aftermath of their coverage of the latest provincial demonstrations and corruption investigations, according to multiple sources and firsthand accounts.

The most noticeable case includes journalist Ali Ghazi, who encountered systematic intimidation after uncovering several high-profile corruption dossiers.

In an interview with Kurdistan24, Ghazi talked about his recent ordeal: "I was arrested on made-up charges without any supporting evidence. During imprisonment, I was exposed to extreme interrogation and severe physical torture."

The deteriorating press freedom situation in Dhi Qar has built notable impediments for journalists trying to access information about administrative corruption within government departments.

Local reporters say these restrictions have considerably affected their capability to carry out investigative journalism.

Hussein Khafaji, a member of the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, told Kurdistan24, "Many journalists in Dhi Qar province have encountered threats and violations, especially while covering demonstrations, security issues, public services, or when exposing corruption cases."

This clampdown occurs against the backdrop of increasing tensions between local authorities and media professionals in southern Iraq, where journalists have generally played a vital role in exposing systematic corruption and recording public grievances.

In response to these challenges, journalists in Dhi Qar are urging the Iraqi Parliament to endorse wide-ranging legislation safeguarding press freedom and protecting journalists during their professional duties.

This appeal comes as media workers face rising pressure and security risks while reporting on sensitive issues.

Dhi Qar province, centered around the city of Nasiriyah, has been a central point of anti-corruption protests and civil unrest in recent years.

The region has seen several demonstrations demanding enhanced public services and answerability in government institutions, with journalists often discovering themselves caught between their professional obligations and pressure from various power centers.

The targeting of journalists in Dhi Qar reflects a broader pattern of media censorship in regions where corruption investigations and public protests crisscross with deep-rooted political interests.

These incidents have raised significant concerns among international press freedom organizations and human rights monitors about the state of journalistic independence in Iraq's provinces.