Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission has revoked the license of the Saudi-owned broadcaster MBC after it aired a report labeling Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah, as terrorists.
The controversial broadcast sparked outrage in Iraq, leading to large-scale protests. Demonstrators stormed the MBC offices in Baghdad, vandalizing property and setting parts of the office on fire.
Around 400 to 500 protesters took part, condemning MBC’s portrayal of key figures associated with resistance movements.
In response, Hamas criticized the report, calling it a “professional, media, and ethical failure.”
The suspension of MBC’s operations in Iraq was decided during a Board of Commissioners meeting on Saturday, emphasizing the intense backlash the channel faced following its coverage.