Iraqi journalists

Happy World Press Freedom Day!

Before I get too excited about this wonderful day, I must talk about a place where freedom and press are not often said in the same sentence.

That place is Iraq, and according to a BBC article, about 225 media workers have died since the war in Iraq began. "It is safer to walk around Baghdad with an AK-47 than with a camera," said Iraqi journalist Youssef Ismail in the BBC article.

But the real problem for Iraqi journalists may not be death -- though death is probably a key deterrent for recruiting journalists in the country -- but censorship.

Censorship issues had improved in the country after the fall of Saddam Hussein, and honestly, I don't think it would surprise anyone that he restricted the media during his dictatorship.

I was surprised to discover that censorship is becoming an increasing problem again. According to the article, when the Iraqi government gained more control, Iraqi journalists became to feel the pressures of the government's strength. Lawsuits are increasing against journalists, and the government works to cut advertising for those papers that are not pro-government.

To me, that is just disgusting. One of a journalist's main jobs is to serve as a watchdog of government, and so it sickens me that the Iraqi government is trying to prevent journalists from doing their jobs. It actually makes me wonder what the Iraqi government has to hide.

Hopefully, Iraqi officials are squeaky clean, and I pray that they begin to become more understanding of the journalist's role. That will only make them look better in my eyes and the world's eyes.

So, happy World Press Freedom Day! In light of this day, I encourage everyone to stay current on press freedom issues around the world.