The Iraqi Media and Communications Commission issued strict penalties against journalist Marwa Hashem and the "Iraq Al-Hadath" channel, following the detection of serious professional violations in the program "Sawt Shaab" (Voice of the People). These penalties are part of the commission's oversight role to regulate the media landscape and ensure that media outlets adhere to professional and ethical broadcasting standards.

Details of penalties and binding procedures

According to the official statement issued by the authority, the program "Voice of the People" was suspended for 30 days, and its presenter, journalist Marwa Hashem, was banned from appearing on television for 90 days (three months). The authority did not stop at suspension; it also mandated that the channel remove the episode containing the violation from all its platforms and issue a formal and public apology to the Ministry of Interior and the affected officer. The authority based its decisions on its legal powers, asserting that the episode broadcast on January 27, 2026, contained serious violations of the approved broadcasting regulations.

The nature of the violation and misleading public opinion

The commission clarified that the observed violations were not mere isolated lapses, but rather included the dissemination of fabricated visual content shared from social media platforms without verification. This content contained unethical allegations against an officer of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, which constituted incitement to violence and a violation of public decency and morality. The commission indicated that the lack of accuracy and transparency in disseminating information contributed to misleading public opinion and damaging the reputation of the national security institution, which is a clear breach of regulations.

Context of regulating digital and traditional media

This incident highlights the growing challenges facing traditional media in the face of the dominance of social media. The Media and Communications Commission is continuously working to establish regulations that curb the spread of "fake news" or fabricated content from the unregulated online sphere to television screens, which are supposed to be highly credible. Relying on social media content without filtering or verifying its accuracy is one of the most prominent mistakes made by some talk shows in their pursuit of sensationalism, necessitating firm regulatory intervention to protect society from rumors.

The importance of preserving the prestige of security institutions

From a professional and national perspective, this decision is of particular importance given its connection to the security establishment. While the constitution and the law guarantee freedom of expression and the press, this freedom is limited by the bounds of defamation or unsubstantiated slander, especially when it concerns officers and personnel of the Ministry of Interior, who represent a cornerstone of security and stability. The measures taken by the authority reflect the need for a balance between constructive criticism and personal attacks that could undermine trust between citizens and security agencies, emphasizing that media platforms should be tools for building and uncovering the truth, not instruments of destruction and spreading falsehoods.

As part of the ongoing care that the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides to its citizens abroad, the Air Medical Evacuation Plane of the Ministry of Defense Health Services carried out a successful transfer of three Saudi citizens from Cairo International Airport in the Arab Republic of Egypt to the homeland, in order to complete their treatment journey and receive the necessary health care in specialized hospitals in the Kingdom.

This step was taken through direct coordination and close follow-up by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Cairo, which worked alongside the relevant Egyptian authorities to facilitate all transfer procedures and ensure the patients' safety until they boarded the specially equipped aircraft. The Embassy confirmed in a statement that this measure stems from its ongoing commitment to monitoring the well-being of its citizens, ensuring their safety, and providing them with all forms of support and assistance, especially in emergency situations and critical health conditions.

Saudi air medical evacuation capabilities

The Saudi Ministry of Defense's air medical evacuation fleet is one of the most advanced in the region, possessing aircraft equipped as "flying hospitals" with the latest medical technologies and mobile intensive care units. These services play a pivotal role in the Kingdom's healthcare system, extending beyond military operations to encompass humanitarian needs and serving citizens whose conditions cannot be treated locally. This reflects the high level of preparedness of Saudi medical personnel and pilots in handling various critical cases.

The diplomatic role in caring for citizens

This incident highlights the vital role played by Saudi diplomatic missions abroad, whose work extends beyond political representation to include the social and health care of Saudi citizens. The embassies operate under the directives of the wise leadership, which places the health and safety of citizens at the forefront of its priorities, regardless of their location. The seamless cooperation between the embassy and the Egyptian authorities demonstrates the depth of the fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries, contributing to the swift implementation of the necessary administrative and security procedures for medical evacuations.

The embassy concluded its statement by expressing its sincere thanks and appreciation to all the medical and administrative bodies that contributed to the success of this humanitarian mission, wishing the three citizens a speedy recovery and a safe return to their families in good health.

In a new media and national achievement, the Saudi Ministry of Defense was awarded the prestigious Saudi Media Award in the "Founding Day Works" category for its documentary drama "Mission Al-Awja." This recognition came during the closing ceremony of the Saudi Media Forum, in the presence of the Minister of Media, Mr. Salman Al-Dossari, and a host of media leaders and content creators from around the world. The award was received by Abdulrahman bin Sultan Al-Sultan, Executive Director General of the General Directorate of Strategic Communication at the Ministry of Defense.

Details of the coronation at the Saudi Media Forum

This victory comes as a culmination of the efforts made by the Ministry of Defense in developing its media message, as the film was produced on the occasion of the founding day 2025. The Saudi Media Forum, which witnessed the crowning ceremony, is one of the most important media gatherings in the region, as it aims to develop the media industry and enhance local content, which gives great importance to this award, which confirms the excellence of the content provided by the Ministry and its competition with the most prominent creative works.

The story of "The Awja Mission": A drama of reality and sacrifice

The film "Mission Al-Awja" is not merely a fleeting work of art, but a meticulous documentation of a truly heroic rescue operation. It recounts the harrowing story of two pilots trapped in a rugged mountain valley within a hostile environment, facing certain death. The film highlights the true battle they fought, showcasing the bravery of the Saudi Armed Forces soldiers and officers who carried out the rescue, embodying the highest values ​​of courage, loyalty, and dedication to protecting the nation and its people.

Record numbers and widespread public engagement

The film's success wasn't limited to winning awards; it also resonated deeply with audiences, setting records that reflect the quality of its production and the depth of its message. It garnered over 47 million views, more than 200,000 shares, 400,000 likes, and over 23,000 comments, making it one of the most influential and widely broadcast national works across television channels and digital platforms.

A national message and a modern communication strategy

Commenting on this achievement, Abdulrahman Al-Sultan explained that the film represents a noble national message, written in letters of gold, reflecting the sacrifices of the armed forces' heroes. He noted that the work combined field realism with cinematic creativity, fulfilling a strategic objective of conveying these epics to future generations. This approach reflects the Ministry of Defense's modern strategic communication plan, which seeks to utilize soft power and professional media to highlight the efficiency and readiness of the Saudi armed forces, strengthen national belonging, and connect the new generation with the heroic deeds of their fathers and grandfathers in defending the nation's sacred sites and resources.