Letter to Iraqi authorities voicing concern about bill to protect journalists

Reporters Without Borders wrote to the Iraqi authorities on 10 May voicing concern about a bill for the protection of journalists that is currently before the Iraqi parliament. The letter said the proposed law would undermine government efforts to reinforce media freedom and, despite the declared intention to protect journalists, would fail to address the increasing violence to which media personnel are exposed. The letter was sent to President Jalal Talabani, Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki and parliamentary speaker Usama Al-Nujaifi. Copies were also sent to Ali Al-Shalah, president of the parliament’s culture and media commission, Baha Araji, president of the parliament’s legal commission, and Moaid Al Lami, the head of the Union of Journalists. Read the Reporters Without Borders letter: