Iraq: Strategic developments in Baghdad
Statement ••••• The government affirms that freedom of opinion, expression, and journalistic work, as guaranteed by the constitution and law, are exercised in the Iraqi national sphere within the framework of the law, respect for public order, and the rights of citizens. It is not permissible to use them as a means to incite violence, internal strife, support weapons outside the state's framework, or support outlawed groups. From this standpoint, and in order to preserve societal peace, and for the state to perform its legal and moral tasks and duties, it obliges all its institutions to implement the law and initiate criminal complaints against anyone who undertakes, participates in, or contributes to media incitement, or obstructs state decisions on weapon control. This position shall always be based on the Iraqi constitution and applicable laws, in accordance with Anti-Terrorism Law No. (13 of 2005), Article 4 and Article 2. This is what the esteemed Judicial Council has affirmed by emphasizing that "the use, support, or brandishing of weapons outside the state's framework falls under the scope of the Anti-Terrorism Law, and penalties according to the law for the inciter, funder, and contributor to terrorist acts reach the punishment of the principal perpetrator." This is also in accordance with the Iraqi Penal Code No. (111 of 1969 and its amendments), Article (195), which states: "Whoever incites citizens to arm themselves against each other and urges internal strife," and Articles (81, 82, and 83), concerning criminal responsibility in publication offenses, where this legal responsibility is determined for the direct person responsible for publication and its content, in the event that the displayed media content turns into a public crime that threatens society's security and incites its commission. The government, through this legal path, exercises its duties by protecting civil peace, maintaining internal security and stability, as well as the right of citizens to receive protection against disinformation crimes, broadcasting distorted information, and deliberate attempts at abuse, and to provide them with the force of law as immunity against falsehood, and all that targets Iraq's security and the safety of our people. ••••• Media Office of the Prime Minister October 19, 2026
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