Iraq: Shooting of human rights defender and journalist Mr Imad Abadi

On 23 November 2009, journalist and human rights defender Mr Imad Abadi was shot in Baghdad. He remains in a critical condition in Yarmouk Hospital. Imad Abadi is a journalist with Al-Deyar satellite channel, an independent Iraqi television station. He is also associated with the Iraqi Association for Defending the Rights of Iraqi Journalists, and took part in a demonstration for journalists' rights in August 2009.

Further Information

Imad Abadi was shot with three bullets to the head, neck and body in the street in Karkh district, Baghdad, on 23 November 2009 at about 8.00pm. The gun used in the attack was fitted with a silencing device, which reportedly indicates that the perpetrator was provincial. The Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr Nuri Al-Maliki, has condemned the attack and declared that an investigation will be opened.

Imad Abadi is a well-known presenter on Al Deyar, where he presents a weekly programme called “Afkar bila Aswa” (“Without Fences”), which features discussions about Iraqi current affairs and politics, which is sometimes critical of the government. Imad Abadi is known as a defender of freedom of the press.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 139 journalists and media workers have reportedly been killed in Iraq since 2003, but there has been a lack of serious investigation by the authorities into the issue. The Iraqi government published a draft law to protect journalists in August 2009, but it has been highly criticised due to its narrow definition of a “journalist”, its introduction of a de facto registration scheme for professional journalists, and its inadequate provisions for investigation obligations. The publication of the draft law led to a protest by journalists in Baghdad against its provisions. In addition, it is feared that upcoming elections in Iraq will lead to further threats to journalists and human rights defenders in the coming months, as political groups and insurgents become increasingly sensitive to criticism.

Front Line believes that the shooting of Imad Abadi is directly related to his work in the defence of human rights, in particular the right to freedom of expression. Front Line sees this as part of a pattern of ongoing harassment against journalists and the media in Iraq. Front Line is seriously concerned for the physical and psychological integrity and security of Imad Abadi and all Iraqi press.

Front Line urges the Iraqi authorities to:

1. Carry out an immediate, impartial and thorough investigation into the shooting of Imad Abadi, with a view to publishing the results and bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;

2. Guarantee the security and physical and psychological integrity of Imad Abadi and all journalists in Iraq;

3. Ensure in all circumstances that human rights defenders in Iraq are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals, and free of all restrictions including judicial harassment.