Basra: The Basra branch of the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate has urgently called upon all members of its general assembly to convene next Tuesday. The meeting aims to address the recent treatment of journalists covering the Oil Minister’s activities at the local oil fields.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the syndicate’s statement revealed that the coverage of the minister’s activities faced unacceptable restrictions. These included limiting media access to a select group of journalists, confiscating cameras, and the removal of press credentials and syndicate IDs. The statement described these actions as a clear affront to the journalistic community and a violation of their rights to practice freely and with dignity.

The statement further asserted that journalists in Basra should not be treated as outsiders in their own governorate. It criticized the selective and exclusionary practices, particularly during government-related events in Basra, which is a crucial oil and economic hub in Iraq.

The branch highlighted past grievances expressed by Basra journalists regarding the local government’s neglect of media affairs. The syndicate stressed that such issues can no longer be ignored or met with silence. It underscored that the dignity of journalists is inviolable, union membership should not be subject to confiscation, and journalism should not be contingent upon the whims of government officials.