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Baghdad,17th.Feb.2008- Last week Iraqi Media Safety Group called Iraqi officials, esp. prime minister Mr. Nori Almaliki, to order directly security authorities, police and Keeping Law Forces esp., to respect journalists and treat them in accordance with the constitutional spirit of respecting journalism and journalists freedom to cover the news.
Mr. Almaliki had ordered in a clear statement during the beginning of last week the armed forces and police to be keen in paying the utmost attention to the safety and work freedom of journalists.
On the contrary, the violations and attacks on Iraqi media workers by armed and security forces raised severely since the premier directions:
• Two journalists arrested by Babel Governorate's police at the end of last week.
• Almuthena police assaulted journalists.
• Journalists prevented yesterday 17 representatives of Iraqi and other media foundations in Basra yesterday from covering a press conference held by oil minister.
IMSG supports Iraqi Journalists Union conclusion today in its press release that these acts are in complete contrast with the constitution and other Iraqi laws in the new age of democracy and transparency, and a reverse acts to all the prime minister Mr. Almaliki and his ministers announcements.
The IJU in a correct decision claims its full right to take legal action against all persons who assault journalists and violate media freedom.
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