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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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Commutation of the sentence against the journalist Kamal Murad
ANHRI welcomes the abolition of imprisonment and opposes the fine
Cairo, July 1, 2009
Arrahmaneyia Court decided to the commutate of the earlier rule of 6 months imprisonment and 100 pounds fine against "AlFajr" weekly journalist, Kamal Murad, ruling to fine him 200 Egyptian pounds, and dismissed his civil claim regarding the abuse of police officers during his performance of his journalistic work.
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), stated that despite the change of the penalty from imprisonment and fine into fine only in this case, but the journalist is punished by this fine sentence itself, while he Murad had been assaulted and has not been heard in court as a victim despite the end of the trial.
Some police officers had arrested Kamal Murad in June 17, 2008, after a reportage with some farmers in Muharram village in Arrahmaneyia (in the Nile Delta), the journalist also shot some photos for police officers beating farmers and forcing them to sign leases with one of the owners of the land there.
The police officers assaulted Murad, beat him and threatened him with imprisonment, which has already happened, As Murad was surprised after about three hours of his detention that he had been accused of assaulting police officers and inciting the peasants against the security forces.
Kamal Murad submitted a complaint to the general prosecutor immediately after his release, asking to investigate the incident of attacking him by police officers, which took place during performing his work as a journalist, but this complaint is not processed at all till now. Therefore, (ANHRI) demands an immediate inquiry regarding Murad's complaint, submitted almost a year ago.
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information said;"The new rule is a blow against freedom of the press, and an emphasis on the control of the security services on all aspects of life in Egypt, which makes the image of the future of freedom of the press gloomy."
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