Iraqi authorities shut down Iraq AlHadath channel without clear explanation - Committee to Protect Journalists

Iraqi authorities shut down news channel for covering ‘sensitive topics’

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Iraqi authorities Wednesday to immediately reverse the unexplained suspension of Iraq AlHadath, a privately owned news channel based in Baghdad, after a surprise government raid forced it off air. On July 1, a joint task force from Iraq’s Interior Ministry, National Security Service, and Communications and Media Commission entered the broadcaster’s headquarters and ordered an immediate halt to…

Iraqi state bank pays PMF salaries after US disruption

Iraq's state-owned Rafidain Bank has announced the release of delayed salaries for members of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), following mounting public pressure and allegations of US interference in Iraq's financial networks. The bank's media office confirmed that payments have now been made available across Rafidain branches in Baghdad and other provinces. This follows a two-week delay that left over 200,000 PMF personnel—drawn from more…

Iraqi authorities shut down Iraq AlHadath channel without clear explanation - Committee to Protect Journalists

Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, July 2, 2025—Iraqi authorities must immediately end their unexplained shutdown and suspension of the privately owned Iraq AlHadath news broadcaster in Baghdad and ensure that media outlets can operate freely and independently, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday.  “The shutdown of Iraq AlHadath without transparent justification represents a troubling move against press freedom in Iraq,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s …