According to the Iraqi Interior Ministry, the kidnapping incident occurred on Tuesday, after which security forces took immediate action and pursued the kidnappers, arrested a suspect and seized the vehicle used in the kidnapping.
Authorities say that the search for other suspects is ongoing and efforts have been intensified to safely recover the kidnapped journalist.
The incident comes at a time when Iraq has seen an increase in violence in recent weeks, especially in the context of the US and Israel’s war against Iran, with security forces being targeted in various areas, including Anbar province.
On the other hand, the international organization Reporters Without Borders has warned that journalists in Iraq are facing threats from all sides due to political instability and financial pressure, while the state appears to be failing to fulfill its responsibility to protect them.
According to the organization, acts such as kidnapping are often used to intimidate and silence journalists, and this threat is no longer limited to well-known journalists.
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Similarly, the Committee to Protect Journalists has also identified an increase in violations of media freedom in Iraq after the war that began on February 28.
According to the organization, a TV crew was attacked in Kirkuk in mid-March, which was blamed on fighters affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces.
According to experts, the current situation in Iraq is becoming more dangerous for journalists, where they face not only security threats but also political pressure, which is severely affecting press freedom.
