Iraq suspends US-funded TV station for 3 months over programme

Iraqi authorities have suspended the license of a US-funded TV station for three months after airing a programme on alleged corruption within Iraq's Sunni and Shiite religious establishments.

The investigative report that was aired last week on Alhurra reported that senior religious figures are benefiting from businesses as a result of their connections with the state.

The report triggered an outcry on social media with some politicians demanding that the station's offices in Iraq be closed down.

The Communication and Media Commission, the country's media regulator, demanded Monday a public apology from Alhurra and suspended its work for three months.

In a statement, Alhurra described its report as "fair, professional and balanced" and said it had given ample opportunity for those mentioned in the report to respond.