Iraq media commission bans two figures from local and foreign outlets

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Communications and Media Commission issued two separate decisions barring Ahmed al-Haj and Zeinab Jawad from appearing on local and foreign media outlets. The commission cited a Media Regulation Department report that found al-Haj had described the Republic of Iraq as a "failed state" in a Facebook post on July 11, 2026, and ruled the content constituted state insult in violation of broadcasting rules. Al-Haj has been barred from media appearances for 30 days, according to commission documents. The commission said the measure was grounded in its broadcasting regulations and legal framework. In a separate decision, the commission imposed a 90-day broadcasting ban on Jawad over remarks she made on the "Hiwar al-Tasi'a" program broadcast on al-Fallujah satellite channel on July 9, 2026. The commission said she made definitive accusations and insults without evidence or credible sources during the program. The commission noted that the longer sanction against Jawad reflected a repeated violation, as she had previously been subject to a media ban. It added that both decisions were taken in line with applicable legislation and broadcasting rules.