(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) International press freedom organisation, Reporters Without Borders (RWB), on Monday condemned "many cases" of intimidation of Iraqi journalists covering the wave of anti-corruption protests taking place in that country.
RWB said in a statement that there have been widespread incidents of "threats and physical violence against journalists" reporting on the anti-corruption demonstrations.
"The aim of the violence against media personnel, by unidentified individuals or local officials, has been to limit coverage of the protests and discourage demonstrators," the press organisation alleged.
It called on the government to guarantee journalists' ability to do their jobs, without interference.
"The Iraqi authorities have a duty to ensure that journalists are free to work without being harassed by anyone, whether local officials or unidentified persons," official spokespersons at RWB Middle East and Maghreb section said.
The Paris-based press body further called for "thorough and impartial investigations" to prosecute those behind the attacks against press professionals and urged authorities to fight against impunity.
Some observers have suggested that the attacks are being organised or orchestrated by militias close to the Baghdad government, although this has been officially denied.
The wave of street protests against corruption began last July and protesters continue to demand concrete reform of the judicial system, among other demands.
Iraq is ranked 156th out of 180 countries in the 2015 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.
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