On 4 April 1996, Mahmoud el-Maraghy and Gamal Fahmi, editor-in- chief and columnist respectively for the opposition weekly “Al- Arabi”, were each sentenced to six months in prison for “slandering a member of parliament.” They were also each fined US$ 200. They have appealed the decision and are currently free. The two journalists had published […]
On 4 April 1996, Mahmoud el-Maraghy and Gamal Fahmi, editor-in-
chief and columnist respectively for the opposition weekly “Al-
Arabi”, were each sentenced to six months in prison for
“slandering a member of parliament.” They were also each fined
US$ 200. They have appealed the decision and are currently free.
The two journalists had published an editorial denouncing an
article written by Tharwat Abadha, an Egyptian member of
parliament, that was critical of former Egyptian President Gamal
Abdel Nasser.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
el-Maraghy and Gamal Fahmi
favourable to press freedom and so that journalists are not
subjected to such severe legal measures
Appeals To
His Excellency Mohammad Hosni Mubarak
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Oruba Palace
Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
Fax: +202 260 5417
Farouk Seif al-Naser
Minister of Justice
Lazoghly Square
Mounira, Cairo, Egypt
Fax: +202 355 5700
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
