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Statement: Kurdistan Regional Government
condemns killing of journalist in Kirkuk
14.8.2008
Statement by Yousif Mohammad Aziz
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August 14, 2008
Kurdistan Regional Government Minister for Human
Rights
Erbil-Hewler, Kurdistan region "Iraq", — The
Kurdistan Regional Government is saddened and
shocked by the recent killing of the journalist
Soran Mama Hama. We in the KRG believe strongly in
the right of free speech and condemn this killing in
the strongest possible terms.
We will do our utmost to assist in the investigation
of this crime and in bringing the perpetrators to
justice. The reported threat and the subsequent
death of Soran Hama Mama both occurred in Kirkuk . |
Kurdistan Regional Government |
As is well known, the
KRG has no jurisdiction in this area. In addition,
and taking into consideration the political
sensitivity regarding Kirkuk , the KRG is not in a
position to oversee criminal investigations there.
We will, however, give all possible assistance to
the authorities in Kirkuk in their efforts to solve
the crime and bring the guilty parties to justice.
The Middle East in general and Iraq in particular do
not have the long history of press freedoms enjoyed
by many Western nations. We in the KRG are doing our
best to create a society where the right of
expression is protected and individuals, including
journalists, are free to present their views without
fear.
Part of this process is enforcing the rule of law,www.ekurd.net
to which the KRG is
committed. We are proud of our general ability to
prevent violent crime. We will continue to do our
best to protect journalists from violence, just as
we would protect any other citizen.
The KRG supports the freedom of the press. We
recognise that an educational process is needed to
raise public awareness regarding the rights of
journalists. We support the Press Law, which is now
in the final stages of consideration.
Future consultations with experts from the
international community may be useful to make
implementation of the Law as effective and
comprehensive as possible. This is a priority for
the KRG, and it is our aim to have a legal structure
enacted that will provide protection for journalists
and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the
Kurdistan Region.
Kurdistan Regional Government, August 12, 2008,
Erbil, Kurdistan Region in Iraq
Copyright, respective author or news agency,
krg org
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