An Iraqi parliamentarian issued a clear warning about the proposed Right of Access to Information Law Monday, labeling it as “rigged” and overly restrictive.
Ruling Coalition MP Noor Nafi said that as a member of the parliamentary Culture and Media Panel, the draft regulation contained “various imperatives that could hamper columnists, activists, and those engaged with political issues.”.
“The draft of the law sent to Parliament is burdened by restrictions that undermine the potential of writers and activists, ” Nafi said in an interview with Shafaq News, adding that “the committee is working on amending some provisions so as to better serve the public interest and dispel the constraints imposed on media professionals.”
It communicated solid resistance from the legislator in passing the bill in its ongoing structure, highlighting that renovation was required for the law to adjust to the Iraqi Constitution and to guarantee that it upholds—instead of upsets—crafted works by creators and data searchers.
In February, the Iraqi Parliament completed the first reading of the Right of Access to Information Law. The Bill was recently signed by the Iraqi Cabinet on 4 October 2023 and forwarded to Parliament for further consideration.
It was only last week that Al-Nakheel Place for Press Privileges and Opportunities implored the Place of Delegates to annex a section of press and reporting to one side to admittance of data regulation. This followed the proving of columnists’ pre-eminence in the handling of data.
Because of the possibility of entrance to information regulation regarding the Place of Delegates plan next Sunday, it let the Shafaq News Organization know that “the press is critical for the House’s oversight job. Without composed ensures for writers in this regulation, the authoritative power will lose critical oversight power.”
The Center further stated, “Restricting information to journalists undermines media control that is an important pillar in any free democratic system.”.
