TOWARDS A RESPONSIBLE IRAQI MEDIA

COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY BAGHDAD, IRAQ PUBLIC NOTICE TOWARDS A RESPONSIBLE IRAQI MEDIA June 10, 2003 The Administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) hereby advises all citizens, residents of, and temporary workers in Iraq that he has today signed a CPA Order concerning media activity in Iraq. The CPA recognizes the importance of providing accurate information to the Iraqi people, and is committed to establishing an environment in which responsible media organizations will flourish. The free exchange of information is essential to the emergence of democracy in Iraq. Disseminating material that incites violence, however, poses a direct threat to personal freedoms, and is therefore banned under the terms of this order, as it is in any civilized society. Equally, advocating the return to power of the repressive and criminal Ba'athist regime would undermine civil order and the freedom from fear of political repression, both of which are necessary for the development of a free and democratic Iraq. Thus, the CPA is issuing an Order that prohibits Iraqi media organizations from broadeasting or publishing material that would seriously undermine security and civil order in Iraq. The types of material to which the Order applies are identical to the prohibited pronouncements and materials described in the CPA's recent Public Notice regarding Public Incitement to Violence and Disorder. If a media organization is found to have violated the Order, the Administrator may withdraw the license, close the operation, confiscate the property and seal the premises of any Iraqi media organization that violates the Order. Violators of the Order also face up to one year in confinement and a USD1,000 fine. Finally, the Order establishes a means by which media organizations may appeal to the Administrator and seek reversal of actions taken against them under the Order.