In 2016, Metro Center for Journalist Rights & Advocacy has received documented testimony from 148journalists and media outlets concerning 97 alleged violations incidents, containing 175 violations, as following:
Kidnapping, torture and Killing: 1 victim
Killed in warzone: 2 victims
Wounded in warzone: 20 victims
Wounded during coverage of violent events: 4 victims
Beating: 24 victims
Unlawful detention: 15 victims
Seizure and breaking of journalistic equipments: 28 victims
Discrimination and Prevention from journalistic coverage: 52 victims
Electronic Attacks: 4 media outlets
Personal insult and humiliation: 9 victims
Terrorizing with bullet spray: 2 journalist homes
Terrorizing with hand grenade: 1 media outlet
Kidnap attempt: 1 victim
Threats of physical harm or killing: 11 victims
As we asserted in our previous annual reports, despite many legal and regulatory advancements in journalist rights, it continues to be true that journalists were victims of waves of violations with much impunity in 2016.
Kurdistan’s widening political and economic crisis in 2016 intensified indifference to laws in the killing, kidnapping and bodily harming of journalists with impunity and made preventing them from their journalistic duties, the seizure of their equipments, and their criminalization the sad realities of their profession.
In our 5th annual report, we stress upon the fact that whenever officials in Kurdistan Region Government (KRG) emphasize the implementation of existing laws, they strictly mean applying them only to restrict journalistic activities, while normalizing strong-arming journalists despite the protections listed in the laws and they authored and signed and swore to uphold.
August and October of 2016 were the worst months of the year for Kurdistan journalists, as reflected in the number of journalists killed or wounded in the coverage of the fight against ISIS. A (KTV) photographer and (Turkmeneli) correspondent were killed in the warzone, along with 15 others wounded in just these two months of coverage of the war against ISIS.
In August 13th, 2016, Mr. Wadat Hussein, a correspondent with RozhNews agency in Duhok province, was kidnapped, tortured, killed and his body was dumped by a roadside. A day later (14th of August), Mr. Mustafa Saeed, a correspondent with KTV was killed during coverage of operations against ISIS in Khazir front. His cameraman, Mr. Hemin Nanakali was wounded n the event. In 11th of August, Mr. Bakhtiar Qadir, a correspondent with Rudaw TV, was wounded during coverage of Islamic Republic of Iran’s bombing of Berkma villages in Sidakan in Erbil province.
In October 21st, Mr. Ahmad Hajaroghlu, the news editor of TurkmeneliTV in Kirkuk was killed during coverage of the ISIS assault on the city of Kirkuk. A day later (October 22nd), Mr. Ali Resan, a photographer with Sumaria TV, was killed during coverage of the fight to recapture Mosul from ISIS.
From 19th to 23rd of October, Mr. Aryan Barwari, Mr. Rasti Khalid & Mr. Abdulla Taha from WaarTV, Mr. Arian Jalal &Mr. Younis Mahmood– freelance photographers, Mr. Pshtiwan Hussein from Zagros TV, Mr. Hajar Salman with Speda TV, Brian Denton, an American photographer with New York Times, and Paul Hans, a Swedish photographer, were all wounded during coverage of the campaign to to recapture Mosul from ISIS. Meanwhile, Mr. Briar Bakhtiar & Mr. Hemin Qadir from Kurdsat TV and Mr. Dler Kawa from Rega TV were wounded during coverage of ISIS assault on Kirkuk city.
In response to these alarming numbers of casualties among journalists, Mr. Osama Habahiba, director of Iraq programs of IMS, stated: "Iraq is one of the most dangerous places for journalists. This prompts us to ask all media outlets, private and state-owned, in Iraq and Kurdistan region, to provide safe work environment for journalists and take all measures to protect journalists during coverage of war activities.” Meanwhile Metro Center published a press release asking all involved parties to protect journalists and provide them with safety equipments as they cover military operations in the warzones.
The killing of Wadat Hussein
2016 was another year that witnessed targeted killing of a journalist in Kurdistan, adding to the list of previous years’ victims; Soran Mama Hama, Abdulsattar Tahir Sharif, Zardasht Osman, and Kawa Garmiani. 2016’s victim was Wadat Hussein, Rozh News Agency’s correspondent in Duhok, who was kidnapped, tourtured, killed and his body was dumped by a roadside in August 13th, 2016. To the date of publishing this report, the investigative authorities have failed to identify any suspects and the case is been added to many other cold cases.
Dehuk’s police authorities have announced the establishment of an investigative team soon after the tragic killing to follow up on the case but failed to provide any public information or press releases, so far.
Wadat Hussein was aarrested by a force claimimg to be the police in Malta County – Dehuk, and was taken to an unknown location. Later that day his body was found by a roadside and was taken to a hospital and given back to his family. Torture marks were visible on his body.
This new tragic targeted killing brings back to attention all the previous targeted killing cold cases of other journalist victims in Kurdistan region, and further complicates the political atmosphere in the region. Metro is joined by many other human rights organizations to demand free independent investigation of the case and all other previous cases. Metro stresses that the inaction in these cases would only encourage violators of journalist’s rights to continue these horrible crimes with empunity.
A Mysterious Case
In November 1st, 2016, the body of Shukri Amedi, a correspondent with KNN TV, was found in a deserted village near Amedi in Duhok province, after being missing for 4 days.
Metro Center, immediately after receiving the news, made an official request for an open and free investigation of the incident. Major Hemin Atrushi, head of communication of Duhok police department announced: "The deceased who was found in an abandoned village, went there with a friend, apparently to hunt. We were informed of his death by his friend.”
Bombs and Fire
In a riot during a concert in Chavi Land amusement park in the city of Sulaimani in May 20th, 2016 , the stage and live-broadcast vehicle were destroyed, presenter Ms. Lania Abdulla was assaulted, injured, and hospitalized along with other employees of NRT TV2.
In June 23rd, 2016, a hand grenade was thrown at the headcounters of Rudaw News Network in Erbil. Five employees and TV technicians were injured in the incident.
Discrimination and Prevention from Journalistic Duties
Among the most prevalent violations of journalistic rights in 2016 in Kurdistan Region are the systematic discrimination and prevention from journalistic coverage practiced by KRG establishments against some media agencies and TV channels. Metro received tens of complaints from TV channels and news agencies claiming they were discriminated against and been prevented from coverage of military operations in the fronts against ISIS , public protests, and even official government press conferences and public events.
Most of the complaints were received from NRT TV, KURDSAT, KNN, PAYAM, SPEDA, claiming that as they were prevented from coverage in certain events, other channels were not.
September of Violations
In September, many demonstrations erupted, in cities and towns of the region, to protest the economic policies of the KRG, including the irregular pay and large cuts of public employee salaries. Along with the protests, violations against journalist rights spiked to the extent that in one day (September 27th) Metro received 14 complaints from journalists claiming a host of violations against them that were committed by security forces.
In September 27th, Mr. Herish Qadir, a correspondent of NRT TV and his team in Erbil were attacked during live coverage by 20 individuals wearing civilian clothes. The attackers confiscated their equipments, forced them into a taxi, took them to a distant location from the event location and assaulted them there.
The Cases Received in 2016 by Metro Center for Journalist Rights & Advocacy:
•In January 2nd, 2016, Mr. Sarmand Karim, a correspondent with Awena newspaper, informed Metro Center with the following: "During a journalistic investigation in Mala Dawdi Khwaru, in Sulaimani, I was stopped by the security forces and taken to their headquarters, where I was detained for 2 hours and was continuously abused verbally, despite presenting my journalistic ID. They released me only after summoning a first degree relative to identify me. "
•In January 20th, 2016, Mr. Fakhraddin Omar, a cameraman with Gali Kurdistan TV, stated the following to Metro Center: "During coverage of a demonstration in Said Sadiq – Sullaimani, I was attacked by the security forces. They took away my journalistic equipments and made threats.”
•In January 20th, 2016, Mr. Omar fatah, a correspondent with NRT TV, stated the following to Metro Center: "During coverage of a demonstration in Said Sadiq – Sullaimani, I was attacked by the security forces. They took away my journalistic equipments.”
•In January 20th, 2016, Mr. AbuBakir Hussein, a correspondent with KNN TV, informed Metro Center that he was attacked by security forces and they took away his journalistic equipment.
•In February 7th, 2016, Mr. Ali Omar, a correspondent with Dwarozh website, stated the following to Metro Center: "I was covering the traffic conditions resulted from a protest walk-away by traffic police, when I was attacked, insulted, kicked, and beaten by security forces. Despite showing my journalistic ID, they detained me for some time, took away my phone, ID and journalistic equipment.”
•In February 7th, 2016, Mr. Jamal Ahmad Jamil, a correspondent with Rudaw TV, stated the following to Metro Center: "During coverage of a protest walk-away staged by traffic police, our team was attacked by the security forces. They threatened to break all our equipments and actually broke a camera stand.”
•In February 7th, 2016, a group of demonstrators in Erbil attacked the coverage team of Rudaw TV (Kurdistan Hassan, a correspondent, and Jegir Omar, a cameraman) Both journalists were threatened and later physically injured.
•In February 8th, 2016, Mr. Abdulaqadir Fuad, a correspondent with Turkmeneli TV, stated to Metro Center the following: "3 unidentified persons , in 2 cars, attempted to kidnap me in front of my home. I informed the security forces and filed a formal incident report and a complaint with them.”
•In February 10, 2016, Mr. Brwa Asaad, a correspondent with Sarbaxo Newspaper, stated the following to Metro Center: "during coverage of an activity by Halwest Group in Kerkuk, I was detained for half an hour inside a security forces car, and beaten with the back of a rifle inside the car. I sustained injuries and was treated in the hospital for a swollen head. I used the hospital incident report to file an official complaint with the court system.”
•In February 11th, 2016, Mr. Hemin Zahir, a correspondent with Rega TV, stated the following to Metro Center: "During coverage of a strike in the Women and Juvenile jail in Sulaimani, I was stopped by a person in military uniform and he took away my camera. The protesters managed to take back the camera from him and gave it back to me. Mr. Hawraz Ahmad, another correspondent of the same TV station corroborated the incident.
•In February 15th, 2016, Mr. Briar Namiq, correspondents’ coordinator of KNN TV, stated the following to Metro Center: "During a protest gathering of teachers in a school in Erbil, an armed force attacked our correspondent, Mr. Hazhar Anwar, and his cameraman. They confiscated live coverage and all other journalistic equipments, as we were broadcasting their feed. The level of brutality of the attacking force was briefly displayed in our coverage.”
•In February 21st, 2016, Mr. Ranj Sangawi, a public figure and the hoist of a program in Rudaw TVstated to Metro Center that after airing his show on assisting renters and Peshmerga families he came under a character assassination campaign in the social media.
•In March 5th, 2016, Mr. Goran Abdullah, a correspondent with NRT TV in Rania – Sulaimani, was stopped from coverage during a live-feed next to the Monument dedicated to the 1991 uprising in Kurdistan.
•In March 5th, 2016, Mr. Farman Mala Hasan, a correspondent with Rudaw TV in Rania stated to Metro Center the following: "We intended to cover the annual celebration of the Kurdistan uprising, but the security forces informed us that coverage of the event is prohibited and we were not even allowed to interview the public away from the ceremonies.”
•In March 5th, 2016, Mr. Brwa Ali, a cameraman for Speda TV in Rania – Sulaimani, stated to Metro Center the following: "We were informed that by orders from Rania police, all forms of coverage of the annual celebration of the Kurdistan uprising of 1991 was prohibited.”
•In March 5th, 2016, Mr. Ayoub Raza, manager of K24 TV office in Rania – Sulaimani, stated the following to Metro Center: "We were stopped and prevented from entering Rania at the internce checkpoint, and we were told that we would only be allowed to enter and practice journalism in Rania on that day after 5 pm. On the same day Mr. Halgurd Jalal, news chief editor with Kurdistan TV, and Mr. Ranjdar Osman, Rania office manager of KNN TV corroborated the statement.
•In March 17th, 2016, Mr. Sardar Muhammad, chief editor of Awena Newspaper, informed Metro Cneter that their website received 67 million view requests in 6 days and 15 hours, in an attempt to shut down the site and harm its database. A similar attack was staged against the websites of Livin, Sharpress, Spi Media.
•In March 20th, 2016, during preperations for a live concert in Chavi Land theme park, tens of rioters attacked the stage, and presenter, Ms. Lania Abdulla from NRT TV2. Ms. Lania was hospitalized as a result other technicians and employees of the TV station were injered. Many equipments and a live-feed van were burned down and destroyed.
•In April 2nd, 2016, Mr. Hemin Hasan, a correspondent with K24 TV in Kerkuk stated to Metro Center the following: "During coverage of a demonstration by Halwest Group, we were attacked by security forces, verbally assaulted. They only let us go after someone interfered to rescue us. "He also stated: "A similar incident happened to us a week ago.”
• In April 2nd, 2016, Ms. Ala Hushiar, a correspondent with NRT TV in Kerkuk, stated the following to Metro Center: "During coverage of a demonstration in Rahimawa neighborhood in Kerkuk, we were attacked by security forces. I was dragged and verbally assaulted and they broke our camera.”
•In April 2nd, 2016 Mr. Taiar Tofiq, a correspondent with KNN TV, stated to Metro Center the following: "We were attacked and prevented from coverage of a demonstration by Halwest Group.”
•In April 2nd, 2016, Mr. Chia Noori, a correspondent with Payam TV in Kerkuk informed Metro Center that they were prevented from covering a demonstration and were told that by orders from "above” coverage was prohibited.
•In April 3rd, 2016, Mr. Herish Qadir, a correspondent with NRT TV in Erbil stated to Metro Center that during their coverage of students’ demonstration, an armed person in civilian clothes stopped them and attacked his cameraman, Mr. Dilshad Aziz. He stated that demonstrated students and the police interfered and saved them.
•In April 10th, 2016, Mr. Zhiar Kamil, a correspondent with Bizaf website, stated the following to Metro Center: "I was trying to cover a public debate in Sulaimani, when I was stopped at the entrance of the debate hall and detained for an hour by security forces. They took away my camera and gave it back to me a day later. The memory card was removed and was never given back to me.”
•In April 12th, 2016, Mr. Herish Qadir, a correspondent with NRT TV, stated the following to Metro Center: "During coverage of a student demonstration in front of Erbil’s government building, a security forces member stopped our live coverage.”
•In April 14th, 2016, Mr. Goran Luqman, a correspondent with Speda TV, informed Metro Center that his team was attacked by 3 individuals who took away their equipments. He stated that after ½ an hour they received their equipments back.
•In April 14th, 2016, Mr. Rizgar Jabbar, a correspondent with NRT TV in Chamchamal, stated the following to Metro Center: "We were prevented from journalistic work and taken to the security compound in the west sector. We were held captive their for one hour.”
•In April 26th, 2016, Mr. Hemin Dalo, a correspondent with K24 TV, stated to Metro Center the following: "This evening, while two teams from our TV station (14 correspondents and technicians) were resting in a home in the Republican neighborhood of Khurmatu, a security force came and informed us that by orders from the head of the administrative unit, all TV teams from all stations had to evacuate the city, and they made sure we did. Later we found out that we were the only TV channel that was forced to evacuate.
•In April 26th, 2016, Mr. Sirwan Khurshid, a cameraman with NRT TV was wounded as he was filming a mortar bombing in Khurmatu, during fights in the city.
•In April 29th, 2016, Mr. Karzan Aziz, a cameraman with NRT TV stated to Metro Cneter the following: "During coverage of a demonstration near a mosque in Erbil, we were assaulted and beaten and injured and our equipments were taken away.”
•In April 29th, 2016, Mr. Amanj Ahmad, a correspondent with KNN TV, stated to Metro Center the following: "During coverage of a demonstration near a mosque in Erbil, we were assaulted and beaten and injured and our equipments were taken away.”
•In April 30th, 2016, Mr. Halo Jabari, a correspondent with KTV stated to Metro Cneter that peshmergas with a certain military leader prevented them from coverage of the operations to retake Bashir village from ISIS.
•In May 9th, 2016, Mr. Sirwan Gharib, manager of Westga website stated to Metro Center the following: "After publishing a story on a religious public figure and his family, we received threats asking us to stop coverage of the whole story.”
•In May 10th, 2016, Mr. Haias Karam, a rozh News correspondent stated to Metro Center that he was detained for 1o day by the security forces without giving him any reason. They also took away his journalistic equipments.
•In May 11th, 2016, Mr. Hawkar Hussein, a news editor and a reporter with Awena Newspaper, stated the following to Metro Center: "I was driving on the Malik Mahmood Road near Shar hospital when two individuals riding a nearby car threatened me and said that I should worry about my life if I continue to speak like his. I filed a formal complaint about the incident.
•In May 11th, 2016, Mr. Farhang Faraidun, a correspondent with khandan website, stated the following to Metro Center: "After an interview with an ex-wife of a religious public figure, I received threats and demand to surrender the tape of the interview, and go back to ask the ex-wife if she has a personal issue with the religious figure.”
•In May 13th, 2016, Mr. Zhiar Mohammed, a correspondent with Voce of America in Sulaimani, stated to Metro Center that during his pre-authorized coverage of a demonstration in front of Bahasht mosque in Sulaimani, a member of the security forces forcefully stopped him from coverage and injured him physically and emotionally.
•In May 15th, 2016, Mr. Diar Ahmad, a correspondent with Westga website stated to Metro Center the following: "After publishing my report on a religious public figure, I received threats to take down the story or get beheaded.”
•In May 19th, 2016, Aysal Avesta, a Sterk TV presenter from Dehuk, stated the following to Metro Center: "I was going to shoot my program in Shangal, when I was stopped and detained by security forces on the road between Dehuk and Shingal for no given reason.
•In June 23rd, 2016, the headquarters of Rudaw TV in Erbil was attacked by a hand grenade. 5 guards and technicians were injured in the incident.
•In June 26th, 2016, Younis Mohammad, a correspondent with Speda TV, stated the following to Metro Center: "Our TV’s team and few other teams were prevented from covering events in Bradost area, at the checkpoint of Barbzen, while other journalistic teams were allowed to do so.”
•In June 26th, 2016, Mr. Zahir Ibrahim, a correspondent with Rega TV in Sidakan, stated that his team was stopped at the Barbzen checkpoint and prevented from coverage of an incident in the area while other teams were allowed to do so.
•In June 26th, 2016, Mr. Ibrahim Ismail, a correspondent with Payam TV, stated to Metro Center the following: "We went to Bradost area to cover Iranian army’s bombing of the villages there, but we were stopped and kept waiting for 3 hours, while they allowed other TV teams to pass and do their jobs.”
•In July 3rd, 2016, Mr. Hogir Kamal, a correspondent with Dwarozh website, stated to Metro Center the following: "During coverage of a political meeting in the headquarters of the PUK Political Bureau, I was verbally assaulted and pushed by the guards of the compound.
•In July 3rd, 2016, Mr. Munir Salim, a correspondent with K24 TV, stated to Metro Center that he was prevented from coverage and verbally assaulted by the guards of the PUK polit. Bureau compound in Sulaimani.
•In July 8th, 2016, Mr. Dana Kamal, a correspondent with Zagros TV, stated to Metro Center the following: " As we were covering an event in front of Chavi Land amusement park, we were attacked by a security force. They physically assaulted us, tore the clothes of our cameraman, took away our cameras and detained us for some time.”
•In July 8th, 2016, Mr. Jalal Mohammed, a correspondent with Payam TV, stated the following to Metro Center: "A security force attacked us duing our coverage of an event in front of Chavi Land. They took away our mics and cameras and detained us for an hour. Later they gave us back the camera but not the tapes.
•In July 15th, 2016, a sound grenade was thrown at the residence of Mr. Amir Ali, a correspondent with Regai Kurdistan and Iraq Oil Report.
•In July 28th, 2016, Mr. Sirwan Khurshid, a correspondent with KNN in Khurmatu, stated the following to Metro Center: "Late at night, my residence was bullet sprayed by unidentified individuals. We did not have any casualties, but the home was damaged.”
•In July 28th, 2016, Mr. Nazhad Mohammed, a writer with Diari Kurdistan Media Network, told Metro Center that he received a threat phone call warning him that he would be expelled from Erbil if he continues his way of writing.
•In August 7th, 2016, Mr. Afat Baz, a correspondent with Rozh News TV, stated to Metro Center the following: "I was doing some journalistic investigative work in front of the Public Park in Sulaimani, a security force attacked me, physically assaulted me and detained me for 2 hours”
•In August 7th, 2016, Mr. Karwan Ibrahim, a correspondent with Rozh News TV stated to Metro Center the following: "As we attempted to cover a demonstration in front of the Public Park in Sulaimani, the security forces attacked us, stopped us from coverage took away our camera, physically assaulted us, and detained us for 2 hours.”
•In August 11th, 2016, Mr. Bakhtiar Qadir, a correspondent with Rudaw TVwas wounded during coverage of a bombing campaign of the Berkma, Barbzen, and Baraw villages in Sidakan area, by the armed forces of Islamic Republic of Iran.
•In August 13th, 2016, Mr. Wadat Hussein, a correspondent with Rozh News TV, was kidnapped, tortured, killed, and left by a roadside in Duhok.
•In August 14th, 2016, Mr. Mustafa Saeed, a correspondent with Kurdistan TV was killed during coverage of fights between Peshmarga forces and ISIS in Al-Khazir front.
•In August 14th, 2016, Mr. Hemin Nanakali, a cameraman with Kurdistan TV was wounded during coverage of fights between Peshmarga forces and ISIS in Al-Khazir front.
•In August 14th, 2016, an 8-person journalist team from Rudaw TV was ambushed by ISIS fighters, but the Peshmarga forces nearby were able to rescue them.
•In September, 1st, 2016, Mr. Bizhar Dabagh, a correspondent with NRT TV stated to Metro Center that the guards of the headquarters of PUK political Bureau in Sulaimani prevented him from coverage of an event there.
•In September 9th, 2016, Mr. Bahman Hussein, a correspondent with Rudaw TV in Baghdad, stated to Metro Center that security forces in Baghdad attempted to kidnap him and destroyed his live feed equipments.
•In September, 9th, 2016, Mr. Ardalan Fatih, a freelance journalist in Bazian - Sulaimani, stated to Metro Center the following: "I received a death threat phone call from an unknown person claiming to be with an extremist political group. I filed a complaint with the police.”
•In September 23rd, 2016, Mr. Qaraman Jawhar, a correspondent with Kurdistan News TV, stated to Metro Center the following: "During a press conference of the Ministry of Peshmarga in Erbil, our team was prevented from coverage, and we were roughly escorted out of the building.”
•In September, 27, 2016, Mr. Herish Qadir, a correspondent with NRT TV in Erbil, stated to Metro Center the following: "During a live program in downtown Erbil, a group of 20 persons wearing civilian clothes attacked our team, took away our equipments, prevented us from coverage, forced us into a taxi, took us far away from our location and physically assaulted us.”
•In September, 27, 2016, Mr. Dilshad Anwar, a correspondent with Voice of America in Kalar, stated to Metro Center that unknown persons threatened him by phone for posting his opinions in social media.
•In September, 27th, 2016, Ms. Lamia Rasul, a correspondent with Waar TV, stated to Metro Center that during coverage of a demonstration in front of Sulaimani governorate compound, I interviewed a member of parliament, but he used the interview to defame me personally and told the demonstrators that that I was stealing their money.”
•In September 27th, 2016, Mr. Aras Rasool, a correspondent with Payam TV in Koya, stated to Metro Center that he was prevented from coverage of a demonstration by the security forces.
•In September 27th, 2016, Mr. Brwa Ali, a correspondent with Speda TV in Koya, stated the following to Metro Center: "During coverage of a demonstration in Koya, a famous official with the security forces took away our camera and told us they would break it.”
•In September 27th, 2016, Mr. Saman Omar, a correspondent with KNN TV stated to Metro Center that security forces in Koya took away his camera during coverage of a demonstration and gave it back to him 2 hours later.
•In September 27th, 2016, Mr. Hedi Qadir, a correspondent with Democracy radio in Koya, stated to Metro Center that during coverage of a demonstration, he and other journalists were detained by the security forces.
•In September 27th, 2016, Mr. Sangar Abdulrahman, a correspondent with Rudaw TV, stated to Metro Center that he was attacked and detained by the security forces.
•In September 27th, 2016, Mr. Mohammed Hasan, a correspondent with Rozh News TV in Rania, stated to Metro Center the following: "I was attacked by the security forces, assaulted me physically & verbally, took away my camera, and gave it back to me, broken, after several hours.”
•In September 27th, 2016, Mr. Twana Omar, a correspondent with Kurdistan News in Rania, stated to Metro Center that during coverage of a demonstration, security forces attacked him, forced him to stop filming,and withheld his camera for 2 hours.
•In September 27th, 2016, Ms. Shadia Rasool, a correspondent with Rudaw TV, stated to Metro Center that during coverage of demonstrations in Said Sadiq, Demonstrators attacked our team and broke our live feed equipments.”
•In September 27th, 2016, Binar Hidaiat, a correspondent with Awena Newspaper, stated to Metro Center that he was attacked by security forces during coverage of a demonstration in Sulaimani, detained, stripped from his badge and camera, and released only after promising not to cover the event.
•In September 27th, 2016, Mr. Bahoz Nasraddin, a correspondent with NRT website stated the following to Metro Center: "I was interviewing a member of the parliament as part of my coverage of a demonstration in Sulaimani when I was attacked from behind by a person in civilian clothes. He assaulted me and dragged me to the security forces. They joined this person in assaulting me and took me to a far away location with other detained demonstrators.”
• In September 27th, 2016, Mr. Avar Hamid, a cameraman with NRT TV, stated the following to Metro Center: "During coverage of the demonstration in front of Sulaimani Governorate compound, the security forces attacked me, assaulted me with battens, took away the camera, and cut the wires of the live feed.
•In September 28th, 2016, Mr. Mohammad Mustafa, a freelance journalist, stated the following to Metro Center: "I proposed my own design of a program to present with K24 TV. But the TV never responded to my offer. Instead, they took the idea and implemented it without any consideration for my copyrights. I asked them to stop the program, but they did not.”
•In October 3rd, 2016, Mr. Harem Abdulla, a correspondent with Westga website in Chamchamal, stated the following to Metro Center: "during coverage of a demonstration in Chamchamal , I got head butted, bled my face and nose, detained and my equipments were taken away by the security forces. After one hour of detention and interrogation, I was released.”
•In October 15th, 2016, the body guards of the Iraqi Prime Minister attacked Rudaw TV and Rashid TV teams. Mr. Halkawt Aziz, a correspondent with Rudaw TV stated to Metro Center: "After the press conference, the body guards attacked us without any provocation. They asked us to submit our cameras. When we refused, they assaulted us.” Mr. Arkan Burhan, a cameraman with AlRashid TV stated: "They took our equipments as if we were their enemies.”
•In October 17th, 2016, Mr. Briar Namiq, a correspondent with KNN TV, stated to Metro Center: "Our team was prevented from attending a press conference on the operations to regain control of Mosul, by Mr. Masoud Barzani. Many other local and international meadia outlets were present in the press conference, but we were excluded.”
•In October 18th, 2016, Komal Media Network issued a press release and sent a copy to Metro Center. In it they say:”Our teams have been prevented from coverage of Peshmarga advances in all fronts of operations. (…) This is despite of our legal and procedural efforts with officials to cover the operations. (…) In some of the checkpoints our teams were subjected to insults.”
•In October 19th, 2016, Mr. Arian Barwari & Mr. Rasti Khalid correspondents with Waar TV, and Mr. Ari Jalal, a freelance photographer, were wounded in a bomb explosion in the operations to recontrol Mosul in the Bashiqa Front.
•In October 19th, 2016, during coverage of the operations to recontrol Mosul, an IED exploded and wounded both Mr. Pishtiwan Hussein, a correspondent with Zagros TV and Younis Mahmood, a freelance photographer.
•In October 20th, 2016, Mr. Hajar Salman, a cameraman with Speda TV, stated to Metro Center: "during coverage of recontrol of Mosul a car bomb exploded on our team and our correspondent and I got wounded.
•In October 20th, 2016, Mr. Taha Abdullah, a correspondent with Waar TV informed Metro Center that a planted bomb exploded and wounded him during coverage of Peshmarga advances in TalIsquf front.
•In October 20th, 2016, during coverage of operations to recontrol Mosul, Mr. Brian Denton , a photographer with New York Times was wounded in a suicide bombing near the town of Bartilla.
•In October 21st, 2016, during coverage of ISIS offensive on the city of Kirkuk, Mr. Ahmad Hajioghlu, chief news editor with Turkemaneli TV was killed by ISIS fighters.
•In October 21st, 2016, Mr. Briar Bakhtiar, a cameraman, and Hemin Qadir, a correspondent, both with Kurdsat TV, were wounded during coverage of the ISIS offensive on Kirkuk city.
•In October 21st, 2016, Mr. Dler Kawa, a correspondent with Rega TV, was wounded during coverage of the ISIS offensive on Kirkuk city in Domiz neighborhood.
•In October 22nd, 2016, Mr. Ali Resan, a photographer with Someria TV was killed during coverage of the operations to recontrol Mosul.
•In October 23rd, 2016, Mr. Paul Hans, a Swedish photographer, was wounded during coverage of the operations near Mosul.
•In November 1st, 2016, Mr. Zirak Abdulrahman, a correspondent with Kurdistan TV stated to Metro Center that during demonstrations by teachers and students in Sulaimani, his team was prevented and their equipments were confiscated.
•In November 8th, 2016, Mr. Herish Qadir, a correspondent with NRT TV, stated to Metro Center that despite formal invitation to their team to cover a conference, they were prevented from doing so with a verity of excuses.
•In November 16th, 2016, Mr. Goran Zahir, a correspondent with Rega TV , stated the following to Metro Center: "During coverage of a teachers demonstration in front of Salahaddin University Presidency compound, we were attacked by security forces, an officer tried to gag me, and told me that we make rival states happy! They took my camera and removed its hard drive.”
• In November 19th, Ms. Rezan Mohammed, a correspondent with Rozh News TV, stated to Metro Center: " during a coverage of a teachers demonstration in Sulaimani, the security forces confiscated our camera. After interfenece by several public figures they gave it back to us later.”
•In November 27th, 2016, Ms. Renas Ali, a correspondent with NRT TV, stated to Metro Center: "During coverage of a campaign against violence in Erbil, our team was prevented,by the body guards of the Prime Minister, from participating in the event.”
•In December 1st, 2016, Mr. Jwanro Mohammad, a correspondent with KNN TV, stated to Metro Center the following: "During a demonstration of teachers in front of the Courts compound in Sulaimani, the security forces prevented us from covering the event.”
•In December 6th, 2016, Mr. Mohammed Thabit Shihazha, Manager of Babagurgur station of Iraqi Media Network, was assassinated in Kirkuk by a group of unknown individuals. Motives are unknown.
•In December 11th, 2016, Mr. Hedi Qadir rasool, a program presenter with Democracy Radio Station stated to Metro Center that he was receiving threat messages via his pphone and on social media.
•In December 13th, 2016, both the KNN TV and NRT TV teams were prevented from covering a conference titled "Tolerance and Coexistance”in Erbil. Goran Movement media (Represented by KNN TV) was formally invited to the event, but were prevented by the body guards of the Prime Minister.
•In December 20th, 2016, both Mr. Hedi Qadir and Khalid Mohammed, correspondents with NRT TV, stated to Metro Center that as they were trying to cover an explosion incident in front of the compound of an Iranian Kurdish opposition group, the security forces in the area prevented them, while they allowed Rudaw and K24 TV teams to cover the story freely.
•In December 31st, 2016, during coverage of the celebration of the new year in Sulaimani, KTV team was attacked by a group of celebrators. Ms. Hevi Hiwa, a correspondent and Mr. Baba Ali , cameraman were injured, and verbally assaulted during live coverage. Ms. Hevi to ld Metro Center that when they asked for help from the police they were told that the crowd is huge and uncontrollable.
The meeting emphasized freedom of expression as a universal right, the implementation of Low of Organizing Journalistic Work, #35 & Law of Access to Information, #11, and denounced incitement of violence and intolerance in the media.
In light of the above principles, Metro presents the following recommendations:
•Government Institutions and establishments must guaranty journalistic freedoms, as they are stated in the laws of Organizing Journalistic Work, and Access to Information. They should not engage in any limitation of the rights that are guaranteed by law.
•Violations against journalists must stop. Especially, the closing of Media organization offices. No Media organization should be closed without an order from a judge.
•The civic expression of opinion is a natural and legal right that should not be taken away for any reason.
•The justice system must be activated to protect the rule of law, and bring violators against journalists to justice. All those who injured & illegally detained journalists, shut down & looted media offices, and destroyed & seized journalists’ equipments, must be brought to justice and appropriate restitutions must be paid.
•Steps must be taken to better the relations between the authorities and Media. Both sides must be encouraged to respect the rule of law and act responsibly.
•Barriers between journalists and the right to information must be eliminated. Abusing the right to classify information by the government must be addressed in a way that guaranties the right of journalists to access information.
•When Government officials break the law, or misuse their authorities, the law guaranties the right to publicly identify them. Therefore it is more productive for them to exercise their right to respond in public instead of censorship or furbelows lawsuits. Government officials must accept criticism as a method of improving their performance.
•"Unprofessional” conduct of journalists must not be used to justify violence against them. Coverage of demonstrations without prior permit is not a justification for violating the Law of Organizing Journalistic Work.
•Journalists must abide by the laws regulating journalistic work, and by professionalism in their conduct. They should maintain fairness and balance in their coverage of events.
•Media organizations must be treated equally and not discriminated against in their quest for information. They should be able to cover, without barriers all the events that the public is interested in. If security constrains are valid for restraining access of some media outlets, then they should be as valid for others too.
•Detention of journalists for their legal quest for information must end.
•No security organ, other than police should be able to call journalists for interrogation. No interrogation should be allowed without a judge’s order.
•We ask Kurdistan Parliament to form an investigative committee with appropriate authority to follow up on cases of violations against journalists, and cases of abuse & deactivation of the Journalistic Work Law and Freedom of Information Law.
•KRG should pay careful attention to international and local organizations that monitor human rights and the rights of journalists. Rejection and denial are not the way to go in handling publicized cases of violations.
•Media organizations must provide journalists with their journalistic equipments and means of protecting their lives.
•The competitive nature of live coverage of events should not be a reason for lessening the standards of professionalism and fairness. Media networks should hold accuracy at a high regard and stay away from heightening anxiety and raw emotions among the citizens.
•Systematic efforts must be made to bring together the leadership of media organizations in an effort to strategize their collective