|
Our Reports
The Internet In the Arab World
A New Space of Repression?
No Rules, No Limits
United Arab Emirates:
Freedom of expression is missing despite a decision banning imprisonment for press crimes
|
|
|
HRInfo welcomes Dubai's decision
And urges PM to free Majan and Khaleej times's detainees
Cairo, 27 September, 2007
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information ( HRInfo) welcomed today the decree issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktoom, the United Emirates' vice president, prime minister and governor of Dubai, the decree prohibits the imprisonment of any journalist on grounds related to his profession. The decree was addressing a decision issued by Dubai criminal court two days earlier and sentencing Khaleej Times' editor in chief "Shymba Ganga" Indian and " Mohsin Rashid Hussien" Egyptian for two months in prison for committing defamation.
The PM's decree represent a step forward in the midst of repressive wave hitting the Arab world and targeting freedoms of press and expression especially in Egypt after sentencing 5 editors in chief to prison based on false lawsuits filed by enemy's of the press.
Although HRInfo welcomes the decision, it still urges Sheikh Rashid AlMaktoom to extend this step to free Mr.Shouhi and Khalid Al_Asly from Majan.net who are still in prison and to stop any other legal proceedings against them.
"This step comes as a beam of light shining through a light-poor sky. We hope there will be other measures taken not only in the U.A.E but also around the Arab world to bring hope to journalists and activists .Words however sharp they are, they shouldn't entail criminal punishment and if that decree reached for Majan.net too, U.A.E would be then presenting a role model in the Arab world". Said Gamal Eid , the executive director of HRInfo.
The number of cases against Majan.net was cut back to four after a school principal has dropped her case against Mr.Shouhi, the head administrator. Shouhi already sentenced on two counts and face two more.
|
|
