Baghdad, 29 December 2016 - The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) condemns the abduction of Iraqi journalist, Ms. Afrah Shawqi, by unidentified gunmen from her home on Monday night.
This is a serious attack on freedom of expression in the country. This freedom is fundamental for all democratic societies and must be respected at all times and in all circumstances. UNAMI calls on those persons responsible for holding Ms. Shawqi to release her and for the authorities to investigate the matter and bring those responsible to justice as soon as possible.