Iraqi Kurdish lawyers petition to shut Arab media offices over 'bias' Syria coverage

Lawyers and activists in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have submitted a legal petition seeking the closure of the local offices of various Arab media outlets, including Qatar's Al Jazeera and Saudi Arabia's Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, alleging that they have provided biased coverage regarding clashes between the Kurdish-led SDF and Syrian government forces in northeast Syria.

The petition, submitted to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region's public prosecutor, contends that the two broadcasters have breached professional media standards by engaging in reporting that critics characterise as partisan and supportive of the Syrian Arab Army.

"These two channels are biased towards the Syrian Arab Army and are far removed from basic principles of media professionalism," claimed Aso Hashim, a Kurdish lawyer from Erbil, in an interview with The New Arab. "In light of our responsibility to the Kurdish people's struggle across the four parts of Kurdistan, namely Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria, we requested that the Kurdistan Region's attorney general take action against these channels and close their offices in the region. These channels are broadcasting coverage that undermines the legitimate rights of our nation."

This legal action occurs amid heightened tensions following recent developments in northeast Syria. Forces aligned with Syria's transitional government have captured significant territory after the withdrawal of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Local Syrian human rights organisations have accused all parties in the conflict of human rights violations.

Kurds throughout the region and the broader diaspora have organised protests opposing the military offensives, in addition to fundraising and aid campaigns to support civilians in northeast Syria.

The Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Ministry of Culture has directed several prominent local broadcasters to suspend the transmission of what it described as "foreign and Arabic channels," citing concerns that these outlets are contributing to regional instability.

In an official letter published on the ministry's Facebook page, broadcasters such as Najmat al-Aalam, United Mix Media, Live Dream, Family Box, and OBOX were instructed to "halt the broadcast of all foreign and Arabic channels on your platforms."

The ministry stated that the decision specifically targets channels accused of "causing chaos and social disruption in the current situation of Kurdistan" and displaying "disrespect towards the Kurdish nation." The ministry further asserted that broadcasting such content violates licensing and frequency regulations.

Karwan Anwar, secretary of the Sulaimaniyah branch of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate (KJS), told TNA that Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya, Al Hadath, and other outlets had "harmed the Kurds through their biased coverage of events in northeast Syria."

He pointed out that over 500 journalists and activists have signed a petition urging regional authorities to close these channels.

Anwar explained that, according to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region media law, the judiciary consults professional syndicates to determine whether media outlets are operating in a professional and unbiased manner. He noted that the attorney general does not possess direct authority over broadcasters.

"If violations are confirmed, the syndicate will formally notify the channels to comply with regional media laws," he stated. "If they fail to comply, the syndicate will request that Iraq's Communications and Media Commission take action."

He also warned about the safety of journalists working for the targeted channels, citing the risk of offices being stormed or correspondents being attacked by uncontrolled demonstrators. He urged media workers to adhere to the International Federation of Journalists' 1954 Declaration of Principles on the Conduct of Journalists, which upholds the principles of truth and independent, accurate reporting.

Separately, the Free Media Union and the KJS released a joint statement on Tuesday condemning what they described as a dangerous escalation of hate speech and sectarian incitement by certain Arab media outlets, specifically naming Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya, and Al Hadath.

The statement accused these channels of disseminating misinformation and incitement that undermines Syria's social fabric and contributes to violence, particularly in Kurdish-held areas in Syria.

The organisations called for an immediate cessation of hate speech, urged journalists to adhere to professional ethics, and appealed to local and international legal and human rights bodies to document alleged violations and hold those responsible accountable.