Freedom of the Press?

September 16, 2007 - 4:30 PM by Stephanie

Over in Egypt, watch what you write. Coz ol’ Hosni will send you to jail if you print anything he finds personally offensive – particularly regarding his health.

According to Hebrew daily Maariv, four Egyptian editors were sentenced to a year in prison and a 20 thousand Egyptian pound fine (approx. $4000) for printing anti-government/anti prez material in their publications. Specifically, as rumors circulate in Cairo over Mubarak’s failing health, one paper went public with the news that he’s not at all well. That editor now faces a prison term.

This op ed by BBC correspondent Ian Pannell notes that these types of punitive sanctions vis a vis freedom of the press are not new in Egypt. An excerpt:

..the capacity to tolerate criticism and critics has slumped to a new low in Egypt.

For example, the man who dared to challenge Hosni Mubarak for the presidency languishes in jail.

The group that dared to challenge the ruling party in parliamentary elections has its members routinely rounded up.

And internet bloggers, vociferous in their opposition, have also been detained, beaten, and had some websites blocked.

So, to be clear, President Mubarak is alive and well, again.

And there is another Mark Twain quote that the President might like to consider the next time he reads that he is unwell or dead.

The more things are forbidden, the more popular they become.

Share with others