Entertainment Law at Iraq
Iraq's entertainment law landscape is influenced by a blend of historical legislation and contemporary societal dynamics. The legal framework encompasses aspects such as copyright protection, content regulation, and personal status laws affecting individuals involved in entertainment.
Copyright Protection:
Established under Law No. 3 of 1971 on Copyright, Iraq provides protection for authors of original literary, artistic, and scientific works. This law covers various forms of expression, including written works, computer programs, oral presentations, visual arts, theatrical performances, musical compositions, photographic and cinematic works, broadcasts, and more. It grants authors exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and publicly perform their works, among other protections.
Content Regulation and Public Morality:
Iraqi authorities actively monitor and regulate content deemed offensive to public morals and decency. In late 2023, law enforcement arrested two social media creators on charges of producing indecent content on TikTok. The individuals faced legal action under provisions of the Iraqi Penal Code, which penalizes acts considered indecent or offensive to public morals.
Recent Legal Developments:
In a significant development affecting personal status laws, the Iraqi parliament passed amendments that effectively lower the legal age of marriage. The new legislation allows Islamic courts to oversee family matters, including marriage, divorce, and inheritance, and permits marriage from the age of nine under the Ja'fari school of Islamic law. This change has sparked controversy and concern among human rights activists, who fear it may lead to increased child marriages and undermine existing protections for women and girls.
Case Study: Broadcasting Content Disputes
In October 2024, Iraq's Media and Communications Commission moved to revoke the operating license of the Saudi broadcaster MBC. The action followed a report that labeled several Iran-linked militant figures, including a prominent Iraqi militia leader, as "terrorists." The report led to protests and the storming of MBC's Baghdad office by militia supporters. The commission cited violations of broadcasting regulations and offenses against national figures as grounds for the license revocation.
These developments underscore the complex interplay between Iraq's legal system, cultural norms, and the entertainment industry. Stakeholders in the entertainment sector must navigate this intricate legal environment, balancing creative expression with adherence to evolving laws and regulations.
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