Baghdad / NINA/- Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) has reaffirmed that freedom of opinion, expression and media work are rights guaranteed by the Constitution and applicable laws, stressing that their exercise must respect the rights of others, public order and social peace.

In a statement, the commission said media outlets and digital platforms must not be used to incite violence, internal armed conflict or the use of weapons outside the authority of the state.

The commission emphasized the need for media institutions to adhere to professional standards and legal requirements, refrain from publishing or broadcasting content that promotes violence or hatred, fuels divisions among Iraqis, or advocates support for groups operating outside the law.

It further stated that using media platforms to encourage people to take up arms, incite internal conflict, promote the use of weapons outside state authority, or obstruct the efforts of competent institutions to bring weapons under state control constitutes a breach of professional media responsibility. Such conduct may also violate applicable laws if the relevant legal elements are established.

The commission said it would continue monitoring media content after publication or broadcast, identifying violations involving incitement to violence or threats to civil peace, and taking regulatory action against non-compliant media institutions. These measures may include penalties stipulated under applicable regulations and referring cases involving suspected criminal offenses to the competent judicial authorities.

The commission called on media organizations, journalists, program presenters, guests, analysts, content creators and users of digital platforms to exercise accuracy and responsibility when addressing national and security-related issues. It also urged them to avoid publishing misleading or distorted information that could fuel divisions or escalate conflicts, while underscoring the importance of safeguarding the constitutional and legal right to criticism and freedom of expression.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting freedom of expression and the independence of media work, the commission stressed that safeguarding these freedoms is compatible with enforcing the law. It added that bringing weapons under state control and strengthening civil peace are national responsibilities that media institutions must respect and refrain from undermining./ End




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