CRACKDOWN: Iraqi PM Locks Down Official Media Access to Key Government Ministries

An anonymous source from within Baghdad's Green Zone has provided me with a copy of a document issued from the office of Iraqi Prime Minster Nouri Al-Malki, ordering the shutdown of contacts with the world press on "any topics that relate to security issues."

The document was directed to "the official speakers or the media advisors" within the Iraqi Interior and Defense Ministries.

No context was provided.

This will likely mean an increased reliance upon anonymous sources in regards to security-related news coming out of Iraq.

This is not a good development for transparent government nor for Iraqi democracy.

Copies of the document in it's original and translated formats are provided below.

Copy of Original:

Copy of Translation: