KRG Deputy PM Talabani revokes ministry decision to close NRT media
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani revoked a decision by the KRG Ministry of Culture to close Sulaimani-based broadcaster NRT. Talabani stated the decision was to be effective as of Wednesday.
"Drawing on the powers bestowed upon us and in light of journalism law in the Kurdistan Region, No. 35 of 2007, press freedom and freedom of expression within the framework of laws and regulations" reads the KRG statement signed by Talabani that outlined five orders:
First, "Revoke the order issued by the Ministry of Culture and Youth, No. 5071 of December 26, 2017;"
Second, "Permit resumption of the broadcast of NRT channels from the day of issuing this order;"
Third, "NRT channels should submit to the Ministry of Culture and Youth and relevant parties the necessary evidence that it uses TELEPORT instrument within the framework of the working laws and regulations;
Fourth, "NRT channels should declare their commitment to the working laws and regulations in the Kurdistan Region, consider the situations of the Kurdistan Region, respect the principles of journalism, the duties and profession of journalists, and protecting public interests and high interests of the Kurdistan Region."
And fifth, "This order will be effective from the day of its issuance."
Talabani a PUK politician whose stronghold is in Sulaimani and Halabja.
On Tuesday, the culture ministry announced the extension of the suspension of NRT media network for another week at the request of the public prosecutor and security forces in Sulaimani province, arguing that the suspension has helped bring “complete calm” to the province.
On Monday, NRT had demanded the ministry respect the initial order and allow the channel to resume its broadcast on Tuesday at 7:00 pm, local time.
The ministry closed NRT’s Kurdish and Arabic channels for allegedly inciting violence following protests that caused the deaths of at least two people and injured another 80 in Raniya, Sulaimani province.
NRT denied the accusations and called the decision by the KRG a “dangerous threat” against press freedom. The media outlet also stated that about 100 “masked” armed security forces had stormed their headquarters and ordered its closure “without a warrant.”
It said their staff was humiliated.
The network, which also has English-language services, was attacked by unknown armed men in 2011 who set its headquarters on fire, just days after people started to stage anti-government protests.
On Tuesday, the culture ministry announced the extension of the suspension of NRT media network for another week at the request of the public prosecutor and security forces in Sulaimani province, arguing that the suspension has helped bring “complete calm” to the province.
On Monday, NRT had demanded the ministry respect the initial order and allow the channel to resume its broadcast on Tuesday at 7:00 pm, local time.
The ministry closed NRT’s Kurdish and Arabic channels for allegedly inciting violence following protests that caused the deaths of at least two people and injured another 80 in Raniya, Sulaimani province.
NRT denied the accusations and called the decision by the KRG a “dangerous threat” against press freedom. The media outlet also stated that about 100 “masked” armed security forces had stormed their headquarters and ordered its closure “without a warrant.”
It said their staff was humiliated.
The network, which also has English-language services, was attacked by unknown armed men in 2011 who set its headquarters on fire, just days after people started to stage anti-government protests.
Last updated at 2:14 p.m. with the full statement from the deputy PM and background.