Head of Journalists Syndicate proposes reformulating freedom of opinion and expression's stipulation in law

INA-  BAGHDAD

Head of the Syndicate of Journalists, Moayad Al-Lami, affirmed on Sunday that freedom of opinion and expression is not absolute for all means, while he suggested reformulating the stipulation of freedom of opinion and expression in the law.

 Al-Lami said, in a speech during the hearing session held in the Parliament to discuss the draft law on freedom of expression, assembly, and peaceful demonstration, which was attended by the reporter of the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “The law in its current form is contrary to Article 38 of the Constitution, and the legislator did not request that this be regulated by law.”  Only Paragraph 3 of Article 38, which talks about freedom of assembly and peaceful demonstration, and this is regulated by law, which is the first constitutional violation.


 Al-Lami added, "Freedom of expression is a constitutional right, and many neighboring countries stipulate that the state guarantees freedom of expression and that the citizen expresses his opinion in writing and other means of expression, provided that it does not exceed the limits of the legitimate laws in force in the Iraqi state or any other
country.”

He explained, "Freedom of opinion and expression always appears in one wording in all legislation, but the draft omitted the text on freedom of expression, which is the basis and essence of freedom of expression," suggesting "reformulation by stipulating freedom of opinion and expression."

 He continued, "The most important aspect of freedom of opinion and expression is freedom of the press, and it must be included in the draft law and be a clear text," pointing out that "Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 stipulates that everyone has the right to enjoy freedom of opinion and expression, and this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and opinions by any means, regardless of frontiers.”

He stressed, "Issuing independent legislation on the right of access to information," noting that "the right to hold public meetings is a constitutional right, but it is regulated by law and so far there is no law."

He concluded, "It is necessary to talk now about the freedom of access to information law and another law on freedom of assembly and peaceful demonstration."