MOI: Combating corruption and terrorism cannot be achieved without working with journalists

INA - BAGHDAD

UNESCO in Iraq confirmed its endeavor to equip Iraqi journalists with basic tools, while the Ministry of Interior indicated that combating corruption and counter-terrorism cannot be achieved without working with journalists.

UNESCO held training workshops for journalists from all Iraqi governorates, in the context of a joint financing project to enhance the freedom of expression and safety of journalists, according to the Director of the Communication and Information Program at UNESCO Iraq, Diaa Al-Saray, in a statement to the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

He noted that “the training lasts for two days and includes international standards for freedom of expression for opinion and the safety of journalists from legal and judicial prosecution.''

"This training is a complement to the previous training and workshops with the Iraqi judiciary and the Ministry of Interior, as the questionnaires that we conducted with the judiciary and the Interior Ministry often make the journalist fall under the burden of legal prosecution due to lack of legal culture and tools related to international standards for freedom of expression for opinion," he said, pointing out that “UNESCO seeks for journalists to be equipped with the basic tools.”

He stated, “Working with the judiciary and the Interior Ministry for greater flexibility in freedom of expression of opinion, safety and security for journalists, as well as the journalist avoiding the risk of judicial and legal prosecution,” noting that “this training is targeted for two elements from each governorate, female and male, that is, a male and female journalist, starting from northern Iraq all the way to Basra, without exception for any governorate.''

''This session will result in the formation of a team of journalists representing the Iraqi governorates to communicate with them and obtain the most basic indicators that journalists need in their governorates,'' he included.

In turn, Advisor to the Ministry of Interior and Director of the Security Media Cell, Major General Saad Maan, said in his speech during the workshop, “The Ministry of Interior has a close and ongoing relationship with the international organizations, including UNESCO, and it is a long-term relationship that stems from the Ministry’s conviction of the importance of Joint work to protect journalists and the media environment as well as provide climates for freedom of opinion and expression.”