NRT broadcaster shutdown in Iraqi Kurdistan reveals brewing political tensions, massive press crackdown

Authorities in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region have closed the offices of Nalia Radio and Television (NRT), citing a court order. Officials stated that the closure was legal, as the broadcaster and rights groups say it is politically motivated.

The broadcaster is said to be owned by opposition leader Shaswar Abdulwahid, head of the New Generation Movement (NGM), but NRT directors deny the allegation. The NGM has accused the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) of undermining media freedom and shutting down the channel for politically motivated reasons.

Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw told local media that the closures followed complaints against NRT, including allegations of "disrespecting national symbols."

The court order has been implemented in Erbil, affecting all NRT offices in the region.

Mariwan Hassan, NRT newsroom director, told The New Arab, "Our offices in Erbil and Duhok were closed without any legal proof or court notifications."

"Authorities have also prohibited our teams from carrying out journalistic work, in violation of the law regulating media in the Kurdistan Region," he added, emphasising that the channel maintains professional standards. 

Khoshnaw reiterated that the action was legal rather than political, stating, "The force that closed the office was the police and implemented a court order; it has nothing to do with politics."

The decision reportedly stems from NRT blurring a photo of the late Mustafa Barzani, a national symbol for the KDP and father of party leader Masoud Barzani. His photos are displayed in government offices and public spaces in Erbil and Duhok.

The closure comes amid escalating political tensions following stalled negotiations to form the Kurdistan Regional Government's tenth cabinet. In mid-January, Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Talabani and Abdulwahid, after his release from jail, agreed to form a joint parliamentary bloc and participate together in the new KRG cabinet, which provoked discontent among the KDP.

In the parliamentary elections on 20 October 2024, the KDP secured 39 seats, making it the largest bloc. The PUK won 23 seats, the NGM 15, the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU) 7, and the National Stance Movement (Halwest) 4.

Srwa Abdulwahid, head of the NGM bloc in the Iraqi parliament and Shaswar's sister, accused the KDP of orchestrating the closure. In a post on X, she alleged that a KDP-affiliated security force "confiscated equipment and forcibly shut down the office," and stated that "NRT practices professional journalism, but the KDP continues its repressive approach, recognising only media loyal to its authority."

The Kurdistan Journalists' Syndicate's Board for Freedom and Journalists' Rights also expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the channel was closed without prior notification to the Syndicate.

The board emphasised that decisions affecting media outlets should adhere to court rulings and the framework of Journalism Law No. 35 of 2007, and called for the comprehensive protection of media freedom in the Kurdistan Region.

The Metro Centre for Journalists' Rights and Advocacy, in a joint press conference with the NRT directories criticised the decision, noting that authorities did not follow proper procedures in shutting down NRT.

NRT was founded in 2010. In the same year, its offices were set on fire after the channel reported on mass demonstrations following the 2011 regional uprisings. The protests were against widespread corruption by both ruling parties, the KDP and the PUK.

The closure contributes to a series of ongoing legal disputes involving Abdulwahid. In August, he was detained by Sulaimaniyah security forces and sentenced to five months in prison on charges of alleged threats. The NGM has characterised the trial as politically motivated. Additionally, the Kurdistan Regional Government has auctioned several of Abdulwahid's properties due to unpaid government loans, and he faces further charges.

The deadlock ultimately centres on fierce party competition for senior government roles and control of ministries, which neither the KDP nor the PUK will concede.

The KDP seeks to retain the premiership and presidency, as well as authority over the Interior and Natural Resources ministries and other key ministries, aiming to solidify its dominant role in regional governance.

The PUK is seeking the speakership of parliament, the presidency, the Interior Ministry, and additional ministries to increase its influence and counterbalance the KDP's power.

Negotiations to form a new government have stalled due to ongoing disputes over governance and key cabinet roles.