The Iraqi government announced Saturday it was extending a ban on the Arabic-language satellite television network Al-Jazeera over incitement to violence.
On August 5, the Qatar-based news channel was ordered to close its Baghdad offices on charges of advocating violence, inciting hatred and racial tension.
"During this temporary closure the Government of Iraq had expected the Al-Jazeera management to offer an explanation to the presented allegations or to officially request a description of the possible threat that the channel may be imposing. However, none of this has happened," a statement from the prime minister's office said.
"Additionally, Al-Jazeera TV has not respected the decision taken by the ministerial national security committee and has continued to broadcast from within Iraq and interview individuals on Iraqi soil regardless of the temporary closure order," the statement added.
Hence, the government has "decided to extend the ban on Al-Jazeera from operating within Iraq until a time when Al-Jazeera TV Headquarters sends an official response of their policies and motives within Iraq."