Iraq shuts down Al Jazeera network's Baghdad office

Iraqi authorities on Wednesday revoked the operating permits of Qatar-based satellite network, Al Jazeera, and shut down its Baghdad office.

The Iraqi Communications and Media Commission said the decision was due to "violations of the official codes of conduct and broadcasting rules and regulations."

However, the network denied any violations in its coverage and said it was "shocked and bewildered" by the decision.

"Al Jazeera is committed to its editorial principles in the coverage of current affairs in Iraq. It abides by its code of ethics in its coverage and programming, and by the highest global standards of professionalism, and has been doing so since its launch," the network said in a statement.

"The Network hopes that its Baghdad bureau can resume operations as soon as possible, in the spirit of the press freedoms guaranteed by the Iraqi constitution," the statement added.

Al Jazeera has had a tumultuous relationship with consecutive Iraqi governments since the 2003 American-led invasion.

In 2004, the network's Baghdad office was shut down after interim Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi accused the channel of "inciting hatred" in the country.

In 2013, the government accused the network along with a number of other satellite channels of inciting "sectarian unrest".

Last month, an editor with the network's Arabic service caused controversy in Iraq after suggesting that a suicide attack that killed over 40 people at a football tournament had targeted commanders from the Shia-led Popular Mobilisation Forces.

The Iraqi Communications and Media Commission on Monday banned the satirical Albasheer Show, which airs on the Iraqi Alsumaria channel for violating "public decency codes".