Concerns for press freedom as journalist shot in Baghdad

The killing of Iraqi journalist Laith Mohammed Redha in Baghdad and the detention of Kurdish investigative journalist Bashdar Baziani in Sulaimaniyah have intensified concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists across Iraq.

Redha, a journalist with the Iraqi News Agency (INA), was shot dead in Baghdad‘s Al-Arasat district on Wednesday evening, with CCTV footage capturing the deliberate nature of the attack. His death followed a heated argument that escalated when the suspect retrieved a pistol from his car and fired the fatal shots. 

Conflicting reports emerged regarding the shooter’s identity; with initial accounts suggested he was a guard for an Iraqi lawmaker, while another journalist, speaking anonymously to The New Arab, claimed the suspect was the son of an antiques’ trader.

Karim Hammadi, head of the Iraqi Media Network, stated that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani is closely following the case and has promised swift legal action.

At Redha’s funeral, Hammadi described him as a dedicated journalist who was killed while fasting during Ramadan. He praised the Suwa’id tribe for opting to pursue justice through the legal system rather than resorting to retaliation.

Tribal elder Youssef Al-Suwaidi confirmed his tribe had issued a midnight deadline for the suspect’s handover and urged the government to intervene decisively.

The Supreme Judicial Council confirmed that the Central Investigation Court in Rusafa issued an arrest warrant. Following a coordinated search, the suspect surrendered in Basra province and was subsequently transferred to the Rusafa Intelligence Directorate, where he remains detained under Article 405 of the Penal Code.

The Iraqi Ministry of Interior later confirmed the suspect’s arrest. Brigadier General Muqdad Miri reported that a special operations unit from Rusafa Intelligence had apprehended him. “This was a targeted operation, and the suspect is now in custody,” Miri stated.

Authorities have yet to clarify whether there is any political connection to the incident or identify additional motives.

Detention of Kurdish journalist 

In parallel, the detention of Kurdish journalist Bashdar Baziani in Sulaimaniyah since 28 February sparked additional fears over deteriorating press freedom. Baziani has been held for over two weeks on multiple charges, prompting calls for his immediate release.

Representatives from the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate visited Baziani on 6 March 2025. According to Karwan Anwar, head of the syndicate’s Sulaimaniyah branch, Baziani was dissatisfied with detention conditions, including food quality, hygiene, and access to necessities. Baziani faces charges under Article 433 of the Iraqi Penal Code, covering defamation and dissemination of false information.

On 11 March, the Committee for Press Freedom and Human Rights also visited the General Security Directorate in Sulaimaniyah, where officials assured them that legal procedures were being adhered to and Baziani had been allowed family visits.

Anwar disclosed to TNA that Baziani faces over ten legal cases, including accusations of disinformation and misuse of electronic devices. A notable charge involves national security concerns linked to an unpublished interview Baziani conducted with an internationally wanted individual. Anwar confirmed he had previously warned Baziani of potential consequences in line with Kurdistan’s media laws, yet he denied political motivations behind the journalist’s detention.

Baziani was a co-founder of Media 21, an investigative news outlet recently shut down by security forces for lacking official licensing from the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate. He had published reports alleging environmental damage caused by cement factories burning used tyres in Bazian and a report claiming business ties between Syrian Interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa’s brothers and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani. The cement factories denied the allegations and filed lawsuits against Baziani.

Press freedom under threat?

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reported three media professionals were killed in Iraq in 2024, adding to a grim toll of more than 475 journalists and media workers murdered in Iraq since 2003. The growing number of targeted attacks has heightened fears among media professionals about their safety and the erosion of press freedoms.

Similarly, journalist advocacy groups continue to urge Kurdish authorities to respect press freedom and guarantee fair treatment for Baziani. Calls for his conditional release on bail have intensified. “We hope that after interrogation, he will be freed on bail,” Anwar said. Baziani currently remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.

Both incidents involving Redha and Baziani underscore the significant risks journalists face in Iraq.