Policemen attack journalist's home in Baghdad
| Publisher | Reporters Without Borders |
| Publication Date | 30 August 2010 |
| Cite as | Reporters Without Borders, Policemen attack journalist's home in Baghdad, 30 August 2010, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4c7cbb632.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Policemen fired on the Baghdad home of the head of the Iraqi Press Agency, Haydar Hassoun Al-Fizaa, on 27 August, injuring his wife and other relatives, before searching the premises and damaging furniture.
The attack on Al-Fazaa's home in the east Baghdad neighbourhood of Al-Shaab was carried by police officers travelling in seven interior ministry vehicles. With the help of neighbours, Al-Fizaa was able to take his badly-injured wife to hospital. Other members of the family were also hospitalised.
Officials said the police had not known that Al-Fizaa owned the house and carried out the raid on the basis of information that a hostage was being held there. They also claimed that no shots were fired during the operation.
The police showed no warrant before carrying out the raid and did not make any arrests. They failed to apologise to Al-Fizaa and offered no compensation.
The contradictory claims by officials and the illegal nature of the raid constitute, at the very least, a breach of the rule of law. An impartial and independent investigation is needed to dispel any doubts about the reasons for the raid. And those responsible must be punished.
A journalist since 1996, Al-Fizaa has written many articles. He has headed the Iraqi Press Agency since 2008
