Iraq revokes operating licenses for Al-Jazeera, other TV channels following wave of unrest

BAGHDAD – Iraqi authorities are suspending the operating licenses of pan-Arab broadcaster Al-Jazeera along with nine other satellite channels on allegations they are promoting a sectarian agenda.

The move, effective immediately on Sunday, comes as Baghdad tries to quell rising unrest in the country following clashes at a protest camp last week.

More than 180 people have been killed in gunbattles with security forces and other attacks since the unrest began Tuesday. The violence follows more than four months of largely peaceful protests by Iraq’s Sunni Muslim minority against the Shiite-dominated government.

The Communications and Media Commission says the other channels whose licenses are being revoked are al-Sharqiya and al-Sharqiya News, Salahuddin, Fallujah, Taghyeer, Baghdad, Babiliya, Anwar 2 and al-Gharbiya.