Media banned from covering protests in Sinjar

On February 18, 2025, the Sinjar Directorate of Education prevented the teams of five media organizations from covering a protest in front of the directorate’s gate.
Nadhir Shankali, a correspondent for Al-Thaminah Channel, reported that the education staff attacked the media personnel present for coverage. The protest was covered by correspondents from Azadi 24 and Azadi News, Sinjar Media, Gia Press, and Al-Thaminah.
Shankali confirmed to the Journalists’ Defense Association that the media personnel have filed a lawsuit against the assailants.
Maher Khalaf, a field reporter for Gia Press, stated that the Sinjar Directorate of Education suppressed the protest and blocked journalists from covering it. He further pointed out that the security forces responsible for protecting the directorate defended the staff and took no action to ensure the safety of the journalists.
The Press Freedom Advocacy Association in Iraq condemns the intentional obstruction of journalists and media personnel from fulfilling their duties, considering it a blatant violation of the freedoms guaranteed by the constitution.
The association calls on the government authorities to pass the Right to Information Law to ensure that officials, staff members, and security agencies do not infringe upon the rights of media personnel.