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HRW's section headlined, "Harassment, Threats, and Assaults against Journalists" discussed "numerous abuses" they face for exposing corruption and other official wrongdoing.
Journalists doing it face enormous risks. Two television presenter critics were "beaten by security officials on different occasions over the past two years." A cameraman was dragged from his car and assaulted.
Others are arrested or receive death threats. One journalist said he received them dozens of times. One dated September 24, 2009 read:
"We will behead those who contribute to the perversion and corruptition of the lands of Islam."Another said, "Dig your grave, sew your death shroud, and write your will. Be prepared for your fate of death."
After publishing a 2006 article on high-level Basra city council corruption, death threats forced a local journalist into hiding for his safety. He "paid a high price" for writing truthfully.
Other journalists told HRW that Baghdad and Basra security forces prevent them from filming or taking photographs in public. Terror attack sites are especially sensitive. On May 13, 2007, the Interior Ministry banned photographing bombing scenes. Allegedly it's to let police secure affected areas and help victims. In fact, it's to suppress truth.
During January 2009 provincial elections, journalists were prevented from entering polling stations, detained, beaten, and had their equipment confiscated and destroyed.
According to Journalistic Freedoms Observatory (JFO) member Ziad, "The biggest problem that journalists have to deal with in Iraq is the dictatorship mindset of security officials."
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