|
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
|
|
|
Shame On You
On the twenty first anniversary of Arabian Pinochet takeover of Tunisia, paid propaganda disguised as impartial journalism continues
Cairo on 12 November 2008
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information today condemns the return of the phenomenon of paid propaganda posing as impartial journalism, praising Tunisian president Zein Al Abdeen Bin Ali, on the anniversary of his successful coup of 7th November 1987. Some newspapers in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon already excel at this.
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information said:
“Following the report released by the ANHRI on this phenomenon it retreated somewhat, but unfortunately it still exists. ANHRI’s defense of the freedom of the press will include criticism of the press for these practices until they give them up. It is shameful that newspapers deceive their readers in this way.”
It is worth remembering that the twenty first anniversary of the president’s rise to power comes at a time when freedom in Tunisia is at its lowest ebb, with a complete absence of press freedom, censorship of journalism and blocking of internet websites on the increase. Any attempt to form a civil society has been aborted, and harassment by state security of political activists is on the increase, in an attempt to push through the president’s candidacy for a fifth term.
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information said in a statement:
Once again independent and private newspapers prove that they have more respect for the citizens. We only wish that government backed and partisan newspapers who are involved in releasing such statements should follow their example, or at the very least mention the fact that these statements are paid for.”
Related topics: http://www.openarab.net/ar/node/177
http://www.openarab.net/en/node/283
|
|
