Iraq Authority Bans Crime Programs, Suspect Interrogations on TV

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Communication and Media Authority issued a circular to satellite channels Tuesday banning all broadcasts of crime-related programs, including the airing of suspect interrogations. The authority stated that televised interrogations of suspects and the publication of court decisions constitute a clear violation of Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees the presumption of innocence. The circular warned that broadcasting detailed crime methods to viewers poses imitation risks for vulnerable groups and adolescents, contributing to a state of constant fear in society. Officials said violent scenes harm children's psychological development and undermine family stability. The authority instructed channel managers to report crime and security information solely through official statements and data from relevant security institutions. The scope and enforcement of the broadcast ban are expected to directly affect channels' content policies.