The Iraqi parliament is facing criticism for its ongoing efforts to advance a contentious draft law that human rights groups argue will severely restrict freedom of speech and assembly. This move comes as authorities in the Kurdistan region level new accusations against journalists and activists recently released from detention.
The proposed legislation, long delayed in parliament due to staunch opposition from civil society groups and international rights organizations, contains provisions that critics say will curtail freedom of expression and impose harsh fines and penalties. Critics fear these measures could be exploited for political gain by the ruling “Coordination Framework,” which holds a majority in parliament.
Guhdar Zebari, who spent three and a half years behind bars on charges of ‘endangering national security,’ was released on 17 February by Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) authorities. Speaking to The New Arab after his release, Zebari recounted a harrowing ordeal of physical assault, blindfolding, and coerced confessions. He endured six months of solitary confinement under KRG security forces in Duhok province.
According to Ayhan Saeed, the representative of Duhok province prisoners, a court in Duhok has levied fresh charges against Omed Baroshki, a critical journalist, and several other journalists and activists. Baroshki, previously sentenced in August 2020 and later released in February 2022, was arrested by Kurdish security forces in Duhok on 20 July 2023, only to be released later.
The reintroduction of two draft laws in Iraq’s parliament threatens to significantly restrict freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly if passed. Amnesty International warned in July 2023 that these draft laws, one focusing on freedom of expression and the other targeting cybercrime, coincide with an uptick in government crackdowns on dissenting voices.
A member of the legal committee in the Iraqi Parliament, speaking on condition of anonymity to Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed, TNA’s Arabic sister website, voiced concerns over the political maneuvering to pass the law. With the Coordination Framework holding sway in parliament and influential figures like Mohsen Al-Mandalawi at its helm, there are fears of eroding fundamental rights.
The Parliamentary Human Rights Committee is currently reviewing the draft law, with MP Zuheir al-Fatlawi revealing plans to rename it the “Freedom of Assembly and Peaceful Protest.” However, the removal of “Freedom of Expression” from the title has raised alarms among Iraqi activists and journalists, as freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed in Iraq.
Despite assurances of amendments, Iraqi MP Zafir Al-Ani expressed astonishment at the tightening grip on freedoms in the country. Meanwhile, political analyst Mujahid Al-Ta’i warned against unchecked government power over dissenting voices, highlighting the urgent need for legislation to safeguard digital content and freedom of expression.
As Iraq grapples with these challenges, the fate of fundamental rights hangs in the balance, raising concerns both domestically and internationally about the country’s commitment to democratic values and human rights.