![MBC officials will be investigated by Saudi Arabia over the report, which has now been removed from all platforms [Getty]](https://mmnews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/MBC.jpg)
Hundreds of rioters in Iraq have raided and ransacked the offices affiliated with a Saudi news channel after it labeled late leader of Palestinian group Hamas and other militant groups in the region with “terrorism”.
A report clip from Saudi broadcaster MBC went viral on social media on Friday, categorizing several terrorist groups in the region as “terrorism.” The list featured the Palestinian organization Hamas, denouncing individuals like Ismail Haniyeh, the former leader, and his late successor Yahya Sinwar, dubbed the “new face of terrorism.”
Following the recent killing of Sinwar in a gunfight with Israeli occupation forces in southern Gaza, he has been widely mourned across the region by individuals with diverse political views. Many see the late Hamas leader as a heroic figure who died bravely on the frontlines in the struggle against occupation.
The MBC report has faced significant backlash, both online and in the streets of Baghdad. Reports indicate that between 400 and 500 protesters attacked the studios of a production company affiliated with the Saudi broadcaster in the Iraqi capital. An unnamed source from Iraq’s Interior Ministry told the news agency AFP that the rioters “damaged electronic equipment and computers, and set fire to part of the building.” Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished, and police were able to disperse the crowds.
In addition to the vandalism, there are threats of legal action against MBC. Iraqi lawmaker Mustafa Sanad expressed on X that “the issue does not end with the destruction or burning” of the broadcaster’s offices. He declared that there is “no place for you in Iraq” and promised to work towards “cancelling the license” of the channel in the country.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Media Regulation (Gmedia) is referring officials from MBC TV for investigation due to alleged violations of the Kingdom’s media regulations and policies. This announcement was made in a statement on Saturday evening.
