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Iraq
Al Arabiya ordered to shut down in Baghdad
2003-11-24
EFL & Fun
The Iraqi Governing Council ordered the Arab language propaganda television network al-Arabiya to shut down its operation in Baghdad on Monday, sending the Iraq Interior Ministry to the network’s headquarters to "seize their uplink and transmission equipment until further notice." "This is in response to their betraying our efforts to rebuild Iraq broadcasting the full Saddam Hussein audiotape" released November 16, according to a spokesman for Jalal Talabani, the council’s president. Qubad Talabani, the council president’s son and spokesman, told CNN that the council does not consider al Arabiya’s reporting "an element of the free press," but rather a "tool" for inciting violence and acts of terrorism.
At which point the CNN reporter was overheard saying: ‘Is he talking about us? Can’t be. Were are just really biased.’
Al Arabiya aired the tape, in which a voice purported to be Saddam Hussein’s called on Iraqis to resist coalition forces and said Iraqis "should elect their leaders from those who had served them for several years, even if they did some murders mistakes." Al Arabiya reported that Iraqi police had entered their offices unannounced and ordered it to shut down or face fines and jail time.
‘Knock, Knock!’
‘Come ...in?’
‘Now, where are the CNN offices located...’
Shortly before the police came to al Arabiya’s offices, Jalal Talabani cautioned journalists not to engage in "incitement," saying the Governing Council would go after any media outlet -- "even the BBC, if they encourage incitement." Qubad Talabani added CNN (snicker, snicker) to the non-exempt list.
Money quote:
"We are serious in our struggle against terrorism," the council president said. "The G.C. [Governing Council] will be even more serious about that in the future. You should realize your responsibilities as free journalists, free reporters."
CNN & BBC clock: 4,3,2, ....
Posted by:Dragon Fly

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