Iraq Warns Against Media Incitement to Violence, Vows Legal Action Over Calls for Arms Outside State Control

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The Iraqi government on Monday warned that freedom of expression and media activity must not be used to incite violence or internal conflict, support weapons possession outside state control, or promote outlawed groups, pledging legal action against those involved in such activities.

In a statement issued on Oct. 19, the Media Office of Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi said all government institutions were required to enforce the law and file criminal complaints against individuals who engage in or contribute to media incitement or obstruct state decisions aimed at bringing weapons under government control.

The statement stressed that freedom of opinion, expression, and media work are constitutionally and legally guaranteed in Iraq but must be exercised within the law and with respect for public order and citizens’ rights.

“These freedoms may not be used as a means to incite violence or internal fighting, support weapons outside the framework of the state, or support groups operating outside the law,” the statement said.

The government said its position was grounded in the Iraqi Constitution and existing legislation, including the Anti-Terrorism Law No. 13 of 2005 and the Iraqi Penal Code No. 111 of 1969, as amended.

Citing the Supreme Judicial Council, the statement said the use of weapons, support for their use, or threats involving arms outside state authority could fall under the Anti-Terrorism Law.

It added that, under the law, penalties for incitement, financing, and participation in terrorist acts could reach those imposed on the principal perpetrator.

The government also cited Article 195 of the Penal Code, which addresses inciting citizens to take up arms against one another and encouraging internal fighting.

It further referred to Articles 81, 82, and 83 concerning criminal responsibility in publication-related offenses, saying liability could apply when published content constitutes a public crime that threatens societal security or incites its commission.

The statement did not identify specific individuals, media outlets, or groups against which complaints would be filed.

Weapons Under State Control

The warning comes amid continued political and security debate in Iraq over the government's authority to regulate weapons and the presence of armed factions operating outside the direct command of the state.

Successive Iraqi governments have pledged to strengthen state institutions and ensure that weapons remain under official authority. However, the role of powerful armed factions, including Iran-backed groups operating within or alongside the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), has remained a contentious issue in Iraqi politics and security policy.

The PMF was established in 2014 to fight the Islamic State (ISIS) after the group seized large areas of Iraq. It was subsequently incorporated into the country's security framework, but questions persist over the degree of state control exercised over individual factions and their independent political and military influence.

The issue has gained further prominence amid regional tensions and concerns that attacks by armed groups could draw Iraq into wider conflicts.

Iraqi authorities have repeatedly faced pressure to prevent the country's territory from being used for attacks that undermine national sovereignty or threaten regional stability.

Bringing all weapons under state authority has also been a central theme in broader efforts to consolidate government control over security decisions and reinforce the authority of the armed forces and other official security institutions.

Government Invokes Anti-Terrorism and Publication Laws

The Prime Minister’s Media Office said the government’s approach was intended to protect civil peace, preserve internal security and stability, and shield citizens from disinformation, distorted information, and deliberate attempts to undermine public safety.

The statement emphasized that legal responsibility could extend to those who encourage violence or contribute to activities deemed criminal, including through media publications.

The announcement places particular emphasis on the potential criminal consequences of public messaging that authorities consider incitement to armed conflict or support for weapons outside state control.

However, it does not provide details of any new enforcement measures beyond directing government institutions to apply existing laws and pursue criminal complaints where warranted.

The statement also raises questions about how authorities will distinguish criminal incitement from constitutionally protected criticism, political debate, and independent journalism, particularly as Iraq continues to debate the future of armed factions and the government's efforts to consolidate control over security.