President of Ishtar Center Participates in German Foreign Office Visitors Programme on Democracy and Freedom of Expression Dr. Mohammed Elwia, President of the Ishtar Center for Democracy Support, represented Iraq in the Visitors Programme organised by the German Federal Foreign Office under the theme “Democracy and Freedom of Expression in Germany.” The programme brought together 15 young leaders from 15 countries around the world. The programme featured a series of high-level visits, meetings, and discussions with key German institutions, including: German Parliament (Bundestag) and the Reichstag Dome: Meetings with six members of parliament from the Committees on Legal Affairs and Consumer Protection and Internal Affairs to discuss legislative processes, institutional responsibilities, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. German Federal Foreign Office: A roundtable discussion with the Director responsible for Human Rights and Counterterrorism, alongside representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and the Interior, focusing on human rights and fundamental freedoms. Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office: A meeting with the prosecutor responsible for hate crime cases, examining legal procedures and the boundaries between freedom of expression and conduct subject to criminal prosecution. Berlin Senate Administration: Discussions on the constitutional right to peaceful assembly under Germany's Basic Law and the implementation of Berlin's Assembly Act. Federal Press Conference (Bundespressekonferenz): Attendance at a press conference and discussions with its representatives to explore the professional relationship between the media and government, as well as journalists' role in ensuring transparency and public accountability. Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Friedrich Ebert Foundation: Discussions on the role of political foundations in civic education, democratic development, and international cooperation. Roundtable with Civil Society Organisations: Exchanges with representatives of Amnesty International and other legal and human rights organisations working on freedom of assembly, civil liberties, and the protection of fundamental rights. Visit to a Public Demonstration on Renewable Energy: Engagement with demonstration organisers to observe the practical exercise of the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression in public spaces. Dr. Elwia's participation reflects the Ishtar Center for Democracy Support's ongoing commitment to strengthening international partnerships, exchanging comparative experiences, and drawing on democratic practices from around the world to advance public dialogue, promote democratic governance, and contribute to state-building efforts in Iraq.
