The Iraqi parliament faces criticism for its efforts to push forward a controversial draft law that human rights groups have accused will limit freedom of speech and assembly, while authorities in the Kurdistan region have levied fresh charges against journalists and activists recently released from detention. The proposed legislation, which has been stalled in parliament for years due to significant objections from civil society groups and international rights organisations, includes clauses that curtail freedom of expression and impose heavy fines and penalties. Critics allege that these mea…