Iraqi Interim Government Orders Al Jazeera Office to Close for One Month - 2004-08-07

The Iraqi interim government has ordered the Al Jazeera television network to close its office in Baghdad for one month. Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi stated that this decision was made by the National Security Committee after reviewing the network's programming regarding the type of violence it promotes, incitement of hatred, and issues arising from racial hatred. The Iraqi Interior Minister claims that Al Jazeera encourages criminals to increase their activities by broadcasting kidnappings and images of hostages threatened with execution. The Al Jazeera television network has faced similar issues with other Arab countries, including Bahrain and Jordan, as well as during Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq. Despite the order to close its Baghdad offices for one month, Al Jazeera stated that it will continue to cover developments and reports related to the war. Al Jazeera said in a statement that this order is unjustifiable but not unexpected. Earlier this month, the Iraqi Foreign Minister accused the Qatar-based channel of failing to maintain neutrality in its broadcasts and threatened to close its offices in Baghdad. Earlier on Saturday, interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi stated that closing Al Jazeera's offices was necessary because its reports support violence and incite hatred.