The Communications and Media Commission prohibited, on Sunday, the appearance of Najah Mohammed Ali Askar in all local and foreign media operating in Iraq for a full year starting from the date of the decision, until he appears before the judiciary and a contrary ruling is issued by the competent authority.
The commission stated in a statement received by the Video News Agency that the decision was based on the powers granted to it under Legislative Order No. (65) of 2004 amended by Order No. (100) of 2004, and based on the letter from the Supreme Judicial Council/ Presidency of the Baghdad Karkh Appeal Court/ Karkh First Investigation Court with number (2588) dated 2026/7/9, which included that the fugitive defendant Najah Mohammed Ali Askar has not appeared before the competent courts to date and has not been arrested as he is a fugitive outside Iraq.
It added that the decision comes based on what was received from official correspondence from the relevant authorities regarding taking the necessary legal measures against him, in accordance with the powers assigned to the commission, and in order to organize media appearances across all means and platforms, and to preserve the course of judicial procedures from any media employment or exploitation that may be issued by a fugitive from justice, which could affect the course of the investigation or contribute to misleading public opinion, in compliance with judicial decisions and in respect of their requirements.
The commission clarified that all institutions, platforms, and media forums operating in Iraq must operate under this decision and refrain from allowing his appearance, hosting him, conducting any interviews with him, or any media coverage about him for the duration of the ban, with a reminder that entities that prove their violation will bear the legal consequences and responsibilities resulting from that, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and directives.
