On World Press Freedom Day, we commemorate those who have been killed, forcibly disappeared, kidnapped, imprisoned, or arrested because of their words. Free press in Iraq still poses a threat to political factions, armed groups, religious entities, and influential figures within state institutions, as they seek to restrict it as much as they can.
The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights (IOHR) is dedicated to advancing press freedom in the country and establishing an impactful united front to advocate against any attempts to restrict or violate journalists' rights. As the powerful actors in Iraq advocate for a “democratic system,” it is crucial to remind them that press freedom is the cornerstone of democracy. Without it, democracy cannot truly exist.
