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Decisive Move by the Communications and Media Commission: Immediate Suspension of All Crime Programs and Ban on Interviewing Suspects or Broadcasting Criminal Case Details Live.

The Communications and Media Commission (CMC) has issued a directive mandating the immediate suspension of the production and broadcasting of crime-related programs that include the presentation of crime details, reenactments, or the interviewing and filming of suspects. The commission stated that the decision followed a comprehensive review and evaluation of the content of such programs. The CMC explained that interviewing suspects through media outlets before the issuance of final judicial rulings violates the principle of the presumption of innocence, as stipulated in the Iraqi Constitution, and may influence the course of justice and the independence of the judiciary. The commission also noted that broadcasting details of crimes and the methods used to commit them could encourage imitation, particularly among young people and adolescents. In addition, airing scenes of violence, publicly stigmatizing suspects, or reviving the suffering of victims may have harmful psychological effects. Furthermore, the CMC stressed that criminal and security-related information should be limited to official statements and platforms issued by the competent security authorities. It called on media institutions to produce educational and awareness programs highlighting the efforts of security and judicial bodies in combating crime and addressing its social causes, while adhering to established professional and legal standards. The commission emphasized the immediate implementation of the decision by all media institutions to ensure a safe and responsible media environment that respects the law and protects individual rights.

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Al-Zaidi: Restricting Weapons to State Control and Combating Corruption Are Priorities for Supporting Development in the Governorates.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi chaired the second session of 2026 of the Higher Commission for Coordination Among Governorates, attended by a number of ministers, governors, and provincial council chairpersons, to discuss service conditions, living standards, and development-related issues across the governorates. Al-Zaidi emphasized the importance of aligning local government plans with federal government strategies, stressing the need to continue restricting weapons to state control and combating corruption, with a particular focus on pursuing major corruption cases and safeguarding public funds. Among his key directives during the session were: Calling on business leaders and companies to contribute to the One Million Residential Plots Project and provide the necessary infrastructure. Emphasizing the review of project cost estimates and preventing cost inflation to ensure transparency and integrity. Encouraging governorates to implement self-financing projects, particularly in the electricity sector. Investing in service and commercial projects to maximize revenues and improve service delivery. Ensuring that revenues generated from border crossings positively contribute to the development of the respective governorates. Reaffirming the commitment to protecting the rights of martyrs, the wounded, and their families. The session also discussed the development of the energy sector, revenue enhancement, expenditure reduction, investment promotion, and improving coordination between local governments and the federal government, in support of development and public services across all governorates.

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New Developments in the Energy Sector: Minister of Oil and British Ambassador Discuss Prospects for Strategic Cooperation Between Iraq and the United Kingdom

Minister of Oil Bassem Mohammed Khudair Al-Abbadi received the British Ambassador to Iraq, Irfan Siddiq, along with his accompanying delegation. The meeting discussed prospects for joint cooperation between Iraq and the United Kingdom in the oil, gas, and energy sectors, as well as ways to strengthen the partnership between the two sides in a manner that serves their mutual interests. Both parties emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in energy-related fields and exchanging expertise, in support of efforts to develop Iraq’s oil and gas sector.

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The Minister of Finance discusses with the World Bank the preparation of the upcoming budget and support for economic reforms to achieve fiscal sustainability

The Minister of Finance, Faleh Al-Sari, discussed with a delegation from the World Bank ways to provide technical and advisory support for the preparation of the upcoming state budget. The meeting focused on mechanisms to enhance the efficiency of financial planning, support economic reform priorities, and develop banking and tax systems in a manner that contributes to achieving fiscal sustainability and improving resource management. Both sides emphasized the importance of continuing joint cooperation to support reform programs and develop financial policies that promote economic stability and keep pace with the requirements of the next phase.