Sudden Iraqi Decision Against Egyptian Journalist: Banned from Appearing in the Media
Al-Taj News – Iraqi authorities have decided to ban an Egyptian media personality from appearing on all media outlets operating in Iraq for one year, over posts that the authority said contained insults and incitement against an Iraqi security institution.
The Iraqi Communications and Media Commission said in a circular issued today, Sunday, that the decision concerning Egyptian journalist Maha Al-Sarraj was based on a report by the Monitoring Department at the Media Regulation Directorate regarding posts published by Al-Sarraj through her personal accounts on the “Facebook” and “X” platforms on August 21 of this month.
It explained that, according to its assessment, the posts contained “insults and incitement” against an Iraqi security institution, in addition to what it described as “lies and misinformation,” considering this a violation of the Media Broadcasting Rules Regulation in force in Iraq.
The commission identified three provisions of the regulation that it said the posts had violated, relating to prohibiting incitement to violence and hatred, banning false and invalid materials, and adhering to accuracy, integrity and transparency in conveying information.
Accordingly, the commission decided to ban Maha Al-Sarraj, an Egyptian national, from appearing on all local and foreign media outlets operating inside Iraq for one year, beginning from the date the circular was issued.
The commission warned media institutions and outlets against hosting her during the ban period, stressing that violating entities would bear the “legal consequences” if they hosted her. It also announced that it would proceed with contacting the competent judicial authorities to take the necessary legal measures against her.
The decision comes within the framework of the regulatory powers exercised by the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission over media institutions and platforms operating in the country. The commission periodically issues decisions concerning violations of media broadcasting rules, which may include banning media personalities from appearing, suspending programs, or imposing penalties on violating institutions.
Some posts circulating on social media had previously reported that Iraqi government authorities had been contacted in preparation for returning the journalist to Cairo.
