Iraqi journalists speak out over the kidnapping of Afrah Shawqi
Lesson Brief
Alsumaria
On December 28, journalists in Baghdad held a protest over the kidnapping of their female colleague Afrah Shawqi. The journalists expressed their anger and disillusionment with the Iraqi security establishment over the kidnapping and saw it as a clear attempt to stifle freedom of speech. The journalists also called on Iraqi security forces to protect ordinary citizens at a time when the majority of security resources are directed at taking Mosul back from ISIS. Shawqi was reported to have been kidnapped on December 27 by gunmen disguised as security officers. She writes for several newspapers and websites, including Asharq al-Awsat and had recently published an article criticizing armed groups in Iraq.
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