In spite of major advances in life and the appearance of dozens of
children oriented cable channels, the traditional and class
Imad
Al Abadi: The popular Iraqi Host of the satellite series Ideas
Without Fences was nearly killed. This editorial charges that the
Maliki
government he so criticizez can't be trusted to investigate.
Kitabat, Iraq
American Occupiers
Must Act to Protect
Iraqi Press Freedom
"Kitabat strongly condemns the despicable assassination attempt
against independent news anchor Imad Al Abadi. … Kitabat calls upon occupying U.S. forces to conduct
a prompt, independent investigation to reveal those elements who stand behind
this assassination attempt - and not leave responsibility for the investigation
in the hands of Maliki."
Protestor in a Tony Blair mask has hands covered in fake blood to demonstrate outside the venue for the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq War, where British civil servants are releasing pent up diplomatic steam.
The Kitabat newspaper
strongly condemns the despicable assassination attempt targeting courageous independent
news anchor Imad Al Abadi, who hosts the program Ideas Without Fences on
national satellite channel Al Diyar.
[Editor's Note: According to
the wire services, on November 23, Abadi was shot in the head and neck by
gunmen using a silencer-equipped pistol at about 8pm as he drove not far from
Baghdad's Green Zone. He made it to an Iraqi checkpoint and doctors say his
chances of recovery are good.]
Kitabat holds Maliki, along with his ill-prepared and
unconstitutional Baghdad Operational Command security force, singularly
responsible for this despicable and criminal attack. Kitabat also holds
the U.S. occupying forces morally and legally responsible and considers them
accountable for the consequences of their criminal aggression. Therefore, Kitabat
calls upon the despicable occupying U.S. forces to conduct a prompt,
independent investigation to reveal those elements who stand behind this
assassination attempt - and not leave responsibility for the investigation in
the hands of Maliki, whose is known for setting up investigation committess
that uncover absolutely no evidence that can be used for capturing criminals or exposing
their crimes.
This newspaper also holds the
Iraqi Journalists Union and its leader Muayid Al Lami morally and legally
responsible. Al Lami is directly responsible for weakening the union, has given
up defending independent Iraqi journalists and has repeatedly failed to condemn
any of the abuses suffered by Iraqi journalists during his time as leader of
the union.
ALONG WITH WOULD-BE ASSASSIN, IRAQI
SOLDIERS LAUGH UNDER SIGN THAT SAYS:
'Assassination attempt against journalist Al Abadi
Kitabat calls upon and demands that all free and independent Iraqi
writers and journalists, who have stood bare-chested to defend freedom of the
press and freedom of speech, condemn the repressive measures taken by the
government and its unconstitutional security apparatus against employees of
independent media.
We emphasize: We appeal to
this courageous group of Iraqi journalists and broadcasters to demonstrate and
use sit-in protests to demand the rapid discovery of the offenders and those
who stand behind them. We also appeal to this heroic battle force that fights
with the word, the most powerful weapon known to mankind, and join ranks
against these desperate government and parliamentary attempts to undermine
freedom of the press.
Posted by
WORLDMEETS
In solidarity, Kitabat
will stand with courageous journalist Imad Al Abadi until all the culprits are
revealed are caught.
Abadi is known for his
courageous struggle against government efforts to restrict media and press
freedom in Iraq. ... He has stood against the government’s war against
independent journalists and independent media when it failed to allow itself to
be compromised by giving the government a free pass.
Independent media will remain
a major thorn in the eye of Iraq's political parties and militia that came
along with the U.S. occupation, wreaking havoc and encouraging corruption to
Iraq.
Kitabat will not be printed today in solidarity with our
friend and colleague Abadi, as a condemnation of this heinous and dirty act
which was executed by a criminal group that received its orders from politicians'
intent on attacking free and independent media in Iraq and taking legal action
against it.
Kitabat appeals to its courageous writers and readers to
stand with independent and courageous media personality Imad Al Abadi. We
appeal for all to stand with the free Iraqi media, which is terrorizing Maliki
and his handicapped, corrupt and illegitimate
government.
