The threats against the journalists began after Dijlah Tarab, a music broadcaster and an affiliate of Dijlah TV, broadcast a concert during Ashura, a day of mourning for Shia Muslims. In a statement issued on August 30, Dijlah TV blamed the affiliate for broadcasting the concert at an inappropriate time and apologized to those offended. Karbouli has not been arrested and was posting freely on social media as of today, as seen on his social media accounts. Several journalists who quit and went into hiding after they received threats asked CPJ not to publish their names, citing fear of reprisal. Al-Asaf told CPJ that he has been receiving death threats on social media and messaging apps from alleged members of militias and the Popular Mobilization Forces.

Source: The North Africa Journal September 10, 2020 14:03 UTC