The Metro Center for Journalists’ Rights said on Saturday that violations against press freedom in Iraqi Kurdistan Region decreased significantly in 2024.
Released during a January 18 press conference in Sulaymaniyah, the findings reveal a 22% decrease in incidents compared to 2023. Despite this improvement, questions remain about the broader state of journalism in the region.
The report, titled "The Law is Not for Archive, Our Laws Have Changed, but Their Implementation is Still a Stone,” detailed 182 violations against 176 journalists and media organizations last year, down from 231 in 2023. The data includes incidents such as harassment, physical assaults, and other restrictions on journalistic activities. While regional authorities attribute the decline to improved awareness and cooperation between security agencies and journalists, some in the media believe the numbers don’t tell the full story.
Aqid Salam Abdulkhaliq, director of the Kurdistan Region’s security agency, praised the reduction in violations as a significant achievement. "This progress reflects the dedication of our security forces to fostering a better environment for media professionals,” Abdulkhaliq said in a statement.
"In 2024, we worked closely with journalists, holding workshops and seminars to address their concerns and enhance mutual understanding. These efforts will continue in 2025 with plans to create a dedicated communication channel for resolving issues more efficiently.”
However, journalists like Shwan Mohammed caution against relying solely on statistics to evaluate press freedom. "The decrease in numbers doesn’t necessarily mean the media landscape has improved,” Mohammed said. "There are deeper issues at play, including unresolved cases of violence against journalists and a legal framework that often conflicts with the realities on the ground.”
The Metro Center’s findings also highlighted persistent dangers for journalists in the region. Last year, three journalists lost their lives, while December saw the highest number of incidents, with 40 reported cases. Among the recorded violations were 24 detentions without legal orders, 17 instances of confiscated materials, 6 cyberattacks, and 2 cases of damaged equipment. Harassment made up a significant portion, with 103 cases documented, affecting both male and female journalists. Women represented 10% of those targeted.
The report underscores the complex relationship between Kurdish authorities and the media. While there are efforts to support press freedom, unresolved cases of violence against journalists and a lack of accountability for perpetrators remain significant concerns. "We cannot overlook the sacrifices made by journalists in recent years,” Mohammed added. "Many have lost their lives, and their cases are still unresolved. That reality casts a shadow over any claims of progress.”
As Iraqi Kurdistan looks to 2025, media advocates are calling for more meaningful action to protect journalists and ensure accountability. While the drop in violations is a positive sign, they say it must be accompanied by systemic reforms to ensure a genuinely free and secure press environment.
source/ the insight international