H. E. Ayad Allawi
Prime Minister
Iraqi Interim Government
Baghdad
Iraq

Vienna, 11 August 2004

Your Excellency,

The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, strongly condemns the closure of Al-Jazeera’s Baghdad bureau by Iraqi police on 7 August.

According to IPI’s sources, the Qatar-based satellite television news channel was banned from working in Iraq for at least 30 days. The decision to shut down the station was reportedly taken “to protect the people of Iraq and the interests of Iraq” and based on an Iraqi media commission’s report, which allegedly accused Al-Jazeera of inciting violence and hatred. We understand that the commission’s report has not been made public and that the re-opening of Al-Jazeera’s offices is contingent upon the station “readjusting” its policy regarding Iraq.

Al-Jazeera’s independent and often controversial news coverage has led to frequent attempts by authoritarian Arab governments to muzzle the station. Iraqi and U.S. officials have also criticized the network for its coverage of events in Iraq and on occasion obstructed its reporting.

Although events in Iraq appear to be negative, IPI is convinced that blaming the messenger in this manner can only backfire. Iraq’s interim government will be suspected of seeking to avoid scrutiny by independent observers unless this blatant act of censorship and serious blow to press freedom is reversed immediately. The Iraqi people have suffered too long from censorship, and it would be to your credit if you brought to an end all forms of censorship in Iraq, including this latest instance.

IPI believes that the independent media is a crucial prerequisite to democracy, peace, and a sustainable human rights culture. We therefore urge Your Excellency to accept the fundamental principle of freedom of opinion and expression, as stated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, according to which everyone has the right to “seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers,” and to end the ban on Al-Jazeera immediately and unconditionally.

Furthermore, IPI calls on Your Excellency to work with the media to create an environment in Iraq that allows journalists to practice their profession without interference.

We thank you for your attention.

Yours sincerely,

Johann P. Fritz
Director