Shafaq News – Baghdad

Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) on Sunday urged all media institutions to refrain from airing or publishing material that insults religious sanctities, affirming that such acts are prohibited under Iraqi law.

In a circular sent to media institutions, the CMC warned that violating this principle could inflame sectarian rhetoric and provoke public unrest, describing responsible media as essential to promoting awareness, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence across Iraq’s diverse communities.

The directive referred to Article 372 of Iraq’s Penal Code No. 111 of 1969, which criminalizes offenses against religions and beliefs, and to Federal Supreme Court Decision No. 352, which forbids any encroachment on the divine entity. It also cited Article 6 of the Broadcasting Code of Conduct, governing religious programming.

Iraq, a multi-ethnic nation of more than 45 million people, is predominantly Muslim—divided mainly between Shiite and Sunni sects—but it is also home to ancient and indigenous minorities, including Christians, Yazidis, Kakais, and Zoroastrians.

Read more: Religion in Iraq: Heritage of civilization or a catalyst for conflict?