Basra: The Media and Communications Commission announced the seizure of three unlicensed digital broadcasting networks in Basra. A statement from the Commission indicated that, in coordination with the judiciary and relevant security agencies, it conducted a series of field operations that resulted in the seizure and shutdown of three unlicensed encrypted digital broadcasting networks in Basra Governorate. This was part of an ongoing campaign to enforce the law and protect the frequency spectrum from illegal uses.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the operations were based on judicial orders issued by investigating judges in Basra Governorate. Commission teams, in cooperation with the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and security forces, seized broadcasting systems belonging to the Oscar network in the Al-Hussein and Al-Zubair districts, as well as the Sumer network in the Safwan district. Their broadcasts were stopped, and all equipment was confiscated and handed over to the relevant authorities to complete legal procedures.

The statement continued, noting that the procedures included executing a judicial order to search the home of the owner of one of the networks, where additional equipment belonging to the network was seized. During one of the operations, an unlicensed Starlink satellite communications system was also found and confiscated according to legal procedures.

The Commission indicated that these operations are part of its ongoing campaign to pursue illegal broadcasting networks. Unlicensed digital broadcasting systems, and enforcement of the provisions of Legislative Order No. (65) of 2004, in coordination with judicial and security authorities, to preserve the legal use of the frequency spectrum, protect the rights of licensed entities, and ensure compliance with applicable legislation.