2.4.1 Members of political opposition parties, political and human rights activists, protesters

2.4.1 Members of political opposition parties, political and human rights activists, protesters

During the reporting period, civil society actors, human rights defenders and journalists faced violence,596 intimidation,597 threats and harassment, including online,598 for criticising public officials and exercising their right to freedom of expression by government authorities.599

Authorities have increasingly relied on articles of Iraq’s Penal Code pertaining to defamation, vandalism and destruction of government buildings to arrest and convict activists and journalists,600 with the aim of silencing criticism of influential political and religious figures.601 Article 226 of the Iraqi Penal Code602 continued to be increasingly used ‘as a tool to suppress civil voices’, contrary to Article 38 of the Iraqi Constitution which guarantees ‘freedom of expression using all means’.603 Women’s rights and NGO workers reportedly faced judicial harassment.604 Those who challenged the status quo, particularly women activists, were exposed to increasing threats to their safety and professional livelihoods.605 In parallel, in early August 2025, Iraqi Parliament renewed its discussion regarding a disputed draft law on ‘Freedom of expression, peaceful assemblies and demonstrations’606.

In November 2024, a university lecturer was killed by a colleague in a remote area near Basrah. The alleged killer was reportedly the brother of Basrah’s governor, prompting suspicions of a cover-up linked to corruption cases the victim may have uncovered.607 In June 2025, PMF-affiliated security forces arrested a prominent lawyer and human rights advocate, Zainab Jawad, after she criticised Iran-backed militias on social media and during a television appearance.608 In July 2025, local authorities in Basrah issued arrest warrants for two activists under Article 226 of the Penal Code for publishing videos criticising government performance and highlighting the water pollution crisis in the city.609

According to Winthrop Rodgers, legal protections for freedom of speech and political activity exist in principle in the KRI but are not upheld in practice. He reported the existence of informal, unwritten restrictions, with punishments for violations.610 In February 2025, at least 12 social media users in the KRI were arrested under the Prevention of Misuse of Telecommunications Equipment Act for content deemed contrary to public morals.611 In June 2025, KDP security forces detained and beat Sipan Amedi, a Kurdistan Parliament member from the opposition New Generation party, after he publicly criticised KDP leader Masoud Barzani.612

In 2024, security forces in central and southern Iraq used excessive force, including water cannons, tear gas and live ammunition, in response to largely peaceful protests over corruption, poor services, economic hardship and lack of accountability.613

In August and September 2024, clashes occurred in Baghdad between security forces and medical school graduates protesting a lack of job opportunities, resulting in dozens of injuries.614 In October 2024, protests erupted in Nasiriyah (Thi Qar governorate) against mass arrests launched by the new police chief. Protesters accused political parties of conflating criminal suspects with activists linked to the Tishreen movement.615 Police responded with live ammunition and tear gas,616 while sporadic arrests of activists continued until November, with many being released on bail after several days.617 In December, a protester was killed during a protest over water distribution in Wasit governorate by live ammunition used by Rapid Response forces.618

In the KRI, Winthrop Rodgers stated that protests are legally permitted but, in practice, subject to numerous restrictions. In KDP-controlled areas, protests are almost always suppressed unless directly authorised by the party, while the PUK more often allows protests but may prevent or disperse them if they continue for too long.619 In February 2025, security forces reportedly attacked teachers protesting in Sulaymaniyah.620