Iraq media regulator bans two figures from local and foreign media appearances

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Media and Communications Commission issued two separate decisions banning Ahmed al-Haj and Zeynep Jawad from appearing in local and foreign media. The bans were announced in separate documents obtained by the commission. According to the commission, al-Haj was barred from media appearances for 30 days over a Facebook post published on July 11, 2026, in which he referred to the Republic of Iraq as a "failed state." The commission classified the post as an insult to the state and a violation of broadcasting rules. Jawad received a 90-day ban following remarks made on the satellite channel al-Falluca's program "Hiwar al-Tasi'a" on July 9, 2026. The commission said she made definitive claims and accusations without evidence or reliable sources and used insulting language. Officials noted the longer ban was imposed because Jawad had previously been barred from media appearances and the violation was repeated. The commission did not specify whether either decision could be appealed. No further details were immediately available.