Iraqi government directs prosecution of media inciters to violence and arms

The Iraqi government directed all state institutions during a meeting held on Monday to immediately initiate legal complaints against any entity or individual engaging in media incitement that calls for violence, internal conflict, or supports the proliferation of weapons outside state authority. The Prime Minister Media Office stated in an official release that freedom of expression and media work are guaranteed by the constitution and applicable laws, provided they are practiced within legal frameworks while respecting public order and citizens rights, warning against exploiting these freedoms to promote violence, support outlawed armed groups, or obstruct state efforts aimed at centralizing weapons exclusively in state hands. The statement clarified that this step comes out of keenness to reinforce societal stability and enable institutions to perform their legal and moral duties, as government bodies are obligated to enforce legal texts and prosecute anyone who contributes to prohibited media promotion or hinders the implementation of sovereign decisions regarding weapons control. These strict measures are based on the constitution and existing legislation, specifically the Anti-Terrorism Law number thirteen of two thousand and five, as well as decisions by the Supreme Judicial Council which consider brandishing or supporting weapons outside state authority as a terrorist act subjecting instigators, financers, and participants to the same penalties, in addition to provisions of the Iraqi Penal Code number one hundred eleven of nineteen sixty-nine and its amendments which criminalize inciting armament and internal fighting and determine criminal liability for publication crimes that threaten societal security. The government concluded by emphasizing that these legal measures embody its constitutional duties in safeguarding civil peace, maintaining internal security and stability, and protecting citizens from the dangers of media misinformation and misleading information aimed at targeting the country security and the safety of its society.