Iraq revokes licence of Saudi TV channel

A Saudi-owned television channel is facing expulsion from Iraq after broadcasting a report that branded leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s Quds Force as “faces of terrorism.”

The Iraqi Communication and Media Commission announced the suspension of MBC Media Group’s licence on Saturday, citing breaches of broadcasting regulations.

This decision follows an incident where between 400 and 500 ordinary people attacked the Baghdad studios of Saudi broadcaster MBC after midnight. They stormed the building, vandalising equipment and chanting anti-Saudi slogans.

The demonstration erupted after the channel aired its report, which ignited fury amongst those who view the named individuals as heroes in the struggle against Israel and Western influence.

Critics argue that the Iraqi government’s decision to suspend MBC’s licence reflects a worrying trend of suppressing media freedom and yielding to pressure from these powerful groups.