Metro Center calls on the security agencies in Erbil to not hand over the presenter of Al-Baghdadiya channel to the security agencies in Baghdad and transfer him to the Kurdistan Region according to the place of his case hearing. Also, his case should be dealt with according to the Kurdistan Regional Government's Journalism Law No. 35 of 2007, not the Iraqi Penal Code.

On Thursday, May 22nd, 2025, al-Baghdadi TV issued a statement that said, "Ali al-Khayal, their presenter, was kidnapped from a sports hall in Erbil and is still missing,” they blame Iraqi Planning Minister Mohammed Tamim for the journalist's safety.

According to the statement, the minister had previously threatened the presenter over the phone and filed a lawsuit against him.

Ali al-Khayal holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Baghdad University and a master's degree in investigative journalism from Baghdad University. He has worked in civil society for years and now presents the channel's "We Are Power," a politically critical program.