Kurdistan Regional Government Bans Media Coverage of Crimes

ARK News.. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Department of Media and Information announced a ban on media coverage of crimes, citing concerns for public safety and the security of individuals and society.

In a statement issued Thursday, September 18, 2025, the department said that “under a directive from the KRG Council of Ministers, addressed to all ministries and government institutions, the publication of crime-related footage, images, locations, or the timing of incidents is prohibited across broadcast outlets and social media platforms.”

According to the statement, the directive was issued following a request from the Independent Human Rights Commission to the Council of Ministers, urging a halt to both direct and indirect media coverage of crimes and suspects. The commission argued that such measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity of investigations as well as the psychological and social well-being of citizens.

The statement added that the decision was made “out of concern for public safety and security, in respect of judicial investigation procedures, and in adherence to human rights principles.”

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