A senior Iraqi official says authorities have suspended the licenses of pan-Arab broadcaster Al-Jazeera and nine other satellite channels for allegedly promoting violence and sectarianism.
Mujahid Abu al-Hail of the Communications and Media Commission said on April 28 that the measure means "stopping their work in Iraq and their activities, so they cannot cover events in Iraq or move around."
Al-Jazeera reportedly has not been formally notified of the ban.
The move comes after more than 180 people were killed in a wave of violence that began after clashes between security forces and Sunni Arab protesters in northern Iraq on April 23.
The violence is the deadliest so far linked to demonstrations that broke out in Sunni areas four months ago to protest perceived discrimination of Iraq's Sunni minority by the Shi'ite-led government.
Mujahid Abu al-Hail of the Communications and Media Commission said on April 28 that the measure means "stopping their work in Iraq and their activities, so they cannot cover events in Iraq or move around."
Al-Jazeera reportedly has not been formally notified of the ban.
The move comes after more than 180 people were killed in a wave of violence that began after clashes between security forces and Sunni Arab protesters in northern Iraq on April 23.
The violence is the deadliest so far linked to demonstrations that broke out in Sunni areas four months ago to protest perceived discrimination of Iraq's Sunni minority by the Shi'ite-led government.
