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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
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Emirates: Freedom of Press at Risk: Restrictive Media Activities Regulation Law Bill is passed!
Cairo, 22 January, 2009
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information has followed with deep concerns and disappointment the passage of the law for regulation of the media by the Federal National Council during its last session on Tuesday 20th January 2009. This has been done without regard for differing opinions and total rejection of concerned media professionals and actors within the community. These concerns have been repeatedly voiced since the legislation was leaked to a local newspaper and published on 22nd September 2008. The newspaper received a warning from the national council for media as a consequence.
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information has voiced its criticism and comments concerning this law, pointing out a number of violations within its provisions and the ambiguity in the expression of several articles which are open to interpretation, or on the other hand the only too clear and overly restrictive provisions for censorship and penalties. There are in addition many other serious violations which could easily lead to more serious consequences for freedom of press situation in the country overall.
At the same time, some articles by Emirati writers reacting to the legislation were banned from publication by the newspapers by an official order made by some of the state media professionals. This decision, communicated to the media by a group of individuals, resulted in the withdrawal of the proofs at the last minute, when they had previously been accepted for publication as credible sources.
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information calls for urgent intervention by the organizations of civil society at all levels to work for the cancellation of this law and the prevention of its publication and enforcement by the president. It constitutes a blatant violation of the freedom of expression and all of the international treaties and conventions which provide for the right of the journalists and media workers to access information according to the law. These rights are genuine and unprejudiced, and without them this important sector could not carry out its mission to society and the state. In addition this law has a serious effect on the independence of the judiciary, particularly article 35 which prevents the implementation of judicial rulings if they are deemed incompatible with the provisions of the new legislation. Also particularly relevant are the two articles after that which grant the national council for the media the power to terminate the licenses of a newspaper or broadcaster by an administrative decision and not a judicial one.
ANHRI’s Comment on the Emirates Media Activities Regulation Law Bill in Arabic: http://www.anhri.net/press/2008/pr1223.shtml )
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