Iraq sets conduct code for journalists

BAGHDAD (AP) — The government wants to require foreign and Iraqi journalists to sign a code of conduct in exchange for permission to attend this month’s provincial elections, raising concerns among media analysts that independent coverage could be undermined.

Iraqi authorities said the goal is to ensure fair coverage and to prevent the distortion of facts in a politically charged environment.

Parts of the 14-page code require that reports be balanced and unbiased and prohibit media from falsifying or misrepresenting information. The code also bans coverage of candidates and political campaigns for two days before the Jan. 31 vote. Punishment for violation ranges from warnings to thousands of dollars in fines.

The rules were drafted by a government commission that oversees domestic broadcasters at the request of the independent Iraqi High Electoral Commission.

Journalists must agree to them in order to get credentials to attend election events, including press conferences and polling stations.

Critics fear the code could hamper the ability of independent journalists to provide coverage of the vote, the first in three years in Iraq, which is expected to redistribute power among Iraq’s ethnic and religious groups.

“You can see that there are some good intentions here. The code tips its hat to fair coverage,” said Ellen Hume, a Boston-based media analyst. “But ... once you start to define responsibility of journalists, you can get into big trouble.”

Representatives from the Iraqi Journalists’ Union planned to meet with electoral officials next week to discuss forming a joint committee to study any case that arises.

“We as a union consider any regulations that limit the work of journalists as a restriction, although we understand the electoral commission is trying to encourage the reporters to provide fair and objective coverage,” said union head Mouyyad al-Lami.

The Associated Press is among news organizations still studying the document.