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19/6/2001
NO to shutting down newspapers and YES to a free and responsible press!
The Association for Human Rights Legal Aid (AHRLA) received with apprehension the news of the seizing of the last issue of Al-Nabaa' newspaper and the summoning of editor in chief Mr. Mamdouh Mahran before the high state security prosecution for what the newspaper printed concerning a former priest. The news included some pornographic photographs that were considered by a large number of Coptic citizens to be a violation and vilification of their sacred symbols. Although AHRLA maintains its right to object to what the newspaper printed, not only in this event but in many other issues, the association firmly and completely refuses the procedure of seizure, particularly when used by successive governments of Egypt as a means of silencing all voices of opposition and political activism. In keeping with its belief in freedom of opinion and expression for all citizens, AHRLA is concerned that Al Naba' might become the second paper after Al Shaab to be seized on religious grounds, and calls for the Union of Journalists to intervene in this matter. It also urges journalists to abide by their ethical code wherein they are committed to be neutral and not be swayed by racist and extremist calls that might be disrespectful to the belief of others, or discriminate in any way against a particular group in society. Given therefore the government's professed ill-will towards freedom of expression and consciousness, which has been demonstrated by the recent reaction to various newspapers and creative works, AHRLA maintains that the demonstration of hundreds of Copts that took place yesterday is not a mere moment of anger, nor a reaction to the intrusiveness of the press, but rather is the result of decades of repression and denial of the basic rights of the 'other' on both the political and social levels. We conclude that the State, as primary party responsible for these incidents which are threatening our social and national unity, is requested to address these issues by guaranteeing the basic rights and freedoms of citizens, a process which must ultimately occur through the achievement of true democracy on all levels. |