Aljazeera outraged by Iraq ban extension

[cal04]

Aljazeera has reacted with shock and outrage at the interim Iraqi government's indefinite extension of a ban on the network's coverage operations in the war-torn country.Iraqi security forces stormed into Aljazeera's Baghdad office on Saturday and sealed it with red wax.
Iraqi officials said the Qatar-based channel had not respected the closure order nor answered demands for an explanation on the tone of its broadcasts.

Reacting to the ban, Aljazeera said it was outraged at the decision.
The station also said the ban was inconsistent with the Iraqi administration's pledges on press freedom. "Aljazeera channel is outraged at the decision taken this evening...to extend the closure of its bureau in Baghdad," a statement said."We are also outraged at the procedures they have used. Police attacked our office this afternoon, took photographs and sealed it up," Aljazeera spokesman Jihad Ballout said.But Ballout defended Aljazeera's Iraq coverage and denied any wrongdoing.

"Yes, we have been getting pictures out of Iraq, but like most others we are depending on the news and footage agencies to get our pictures. So we abided by the law," Ballout explained.



MCNS statement



A statement issued by the Ministerial Committee for National Security(MCNS) on Saturday said the ban slapped on 5 August was extended because Aljazeera, during the interim ban period, did not write to the Iraqi government inquiring about the reasons behind it.
"On the contrary Aljazeera persisted on not respecting the decision and continued broadcasting from Iraq by conducting interviews that intentionally ignored the ban decision.""In view of that, the MCNS decided to extend the period of banning Aljazeera from broadcasting from Iraq until it submitted a written clarification," the statement went on. "Upon this written letter and the future conduct of Aljazeera, the committee will consider taking a final decision that will be announced in due course."

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/28D17F9C-5204-4514-8D92-C5F192492445.htm

[acmavm]

1. In so many words what the fake Iraqi government has done is tell an

international media outlet that they aren't even allowed to print anything about the whole damn country. What in the hell is wrong with those people. Have Allawi and the boys caught the bush* meglomania bug?

This is just plain damn outrageous.

[atreides1]

2. One Name

Negroponte!!!

[TahitiNut]

6. Absolutely.

Imperial Proconsul Negroponte.

[mike_c]

3. Al'jazeera can still broadcast into Iraq...

...and they have the attention of most Iraqis. They should go on the offensive BIG TIME-- preface every broadcast with some remark about being banned in a nation with supposed press freedoms, undermine Allawi's authority at every opportunity, etc-- and make it clear that they will not call off the attack until their credentials are restored. Neither Allawi nor Negroponte can confiscate every satellite receiver in Iraq. They've already been banned for inciting unrest-- now they should REALLY incite some unrest. Thugs like Allawi must be taught to fear the power of the press.

[da_chimperor]

4. It's not surprising

Al-jazeera is generally disliked by all Arab governments, with the exception of Qatar. For some reason the royal family puts up with them, and most of their funding comes from them as well. A free press in the region will do a lot to advance democracy and reform. I wish them luck.

[Fatima]

5. The Emir of Qatar founded Al Jazeera

because he wanted a better pan-Arab news channel that delivers real news and not the sugar-coated fawning hogwash that passes for news in the Middle East.

This ban stinks. So much for freedom of the press and democracy. They have to answer for the "tone" of their broadcasts? What, are they not sufficiently Faux News-ish for the occupation forces and puppet leader Allawi?

This has Rove written all over it.

[manic expression]

7. And Bush continues

to spew out the lies that Iraqis are "free". This is just another example of how far that is from the truth.

[allemand]

8. "Al-Jazeerah gives platform to dissidents but also asks tough questions"

Juan Cole:
"The caretaker Allawi government extended its ban on al-Jazeerah on Saturday. Al-Jazeerah itself reported that the government charged it with instigating attacks on its officials. Al-Jazeerah reports on Iraq quite extensively, and often manages to get better video and interviews than most Western news programs, so the closing of the Baghdad office appears not to be a serious obstacle. They do telephone interviews, e.g. So the only one hurt by this "ban" is the caretaker government, which looks heavy-handed and as though it is trying to stop criticism of itself. Al-Jazeerah does give a platform to Iraqi dissidents, but they also do ask tough questions of, e.g. Sadr's representatives. Anyway, there are no grounds under the interim constitution (which guarantees freedom of speech) for the government to close the offices of a news organization. It is not an auspicious start for the new Iraq, and these kinds of measures, once taken, become foundational. So after all the brouhaha about Iraq as a shining beacon of democracy and liberty, its actual policy in al-Jazeerah's case is worse than most Middle Eastern dictatorship."

http://www.juancole.com/2004_09_01_juancole_archive.html#109436737018284348