Iraq restricts movement by TV journalists

Azzaman, October 30, 2009

The government has banned movement by press vehicles with equipment to broadcast live.

The measure, which will prevent live coverage of events particularly inside Baghdad, has been harshly criticized by Iraqi journalists.

The order to ban such vehicles from driving inside Baghdad comes following devastating car bombings which killed and maimed hundreds of people.

The order has been issued by the military command of Baghdad operations which specifically denies television broadcasters the right of live coverage.

Such coverage, the military orders say, will only take place after applying for permission from the military authorities.

Without permission, the orders add, the journalists risk detention.

The request of permission before driving in Baghdad essentially blocks all live coverage of events.

Previous experience shows that journalists or media outlets that happened to be at the scene just before such large-scale bombing take place have been suspected of collaborating with the attackers.

Numerous Iraqi journalists have been imprisoned on such suspicions.

The orders have no time-limit and it is not clear for how long the authorities want to have them in place.

Privately, officials say the authorities have not been pleased with the live coverage of the recent bombings, particularly the interviews with Iraqis which put the blame squarely on the government.