(EOHR/IFEX) – The following is a 30 April 2002 EOHR press release: Bolak Court sentences journalist Ahmed Haredi Muhamed to six months’ imprisonment in an unprecedented case of libeling on the Internet EOHR is deeply concerned by yesterday’s verdict by the Bolak Misdemeanor Court in Cairo against journalist Ahmed Haredi Muhamed. The journalist is a […]
(EOHR/IFEX) – The following is a 30 April 2002 EOHR press release:
Bolak Court sentences journalist Ahmed Haredi Muhamed to six months’ imprisonment in an unprecedented case of libeling on the Internet
EOHR is deeply concerned by yesterday’s verdict by the Bolak Misdemeanor Court in Cairo against journalist Ahmed Haredi Muhamed. The journalist is a member of the Press Association and editor-in-chief of “Al Methaq Al Arabi”, an electronic newspaper. Ahmed Haredi was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a 1000 L.E. (Egyptian pounds) fine and 2001 L.E. in temporary administrative compensation.
Mr. Ibrahim Nafe’e, the head of the Press Association, filed a direct misdemeanor case, no.5155 of 2001, against Ahmed Haredi, accusing the journalist of libeling him. Mr. Nafe’e based his accusation on the fact that Ahmed Haredi published libeling statements against Mr. Nafe’e on the Internet on the “Al Methaq Al Arabi” page. After a number of sessions beginning on 21 July 2000, the court issued the above-mentioned verdict.
EOHR reaffirms its support for the full respect of all verdicts by the Egyptian judiciary. However, the organisation believes that the legal texts that regulate the work of journalists in Egypt include articles stipulating punishments that threaten freedom of expression and opinion and deprive individuals of their freedom to publish information on crimes. As such, these articles take away the rights guaranteed by the Egyptian Constitution and international covenants on freedom of expression.
EOHR is also worried about the fact that such verdicts threaten the security and freedom of journalists to carry out their work. They also impose restrictions on the right to criticism, which is one of the basic elements of press freedom. This verdict also breaches the Constitution and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which is ratified by the Egyptian government and has become part of national legislation. EOHR calls on Egyptian legislators to cancel all the punishments mentioned in the Egyptian Penal Code of 1973 that deprive individuals of their freedom to publish information on crimes. As refers to this case, EOHR suggests that the fine penalty be increased instead. EOHR also notes that the claimant has the right to publish a reply and a correction to what has been published against him. Furthermore, the defendant shall be required to pay civil compensation to guarantee respect for the right to personal freedom. In this regard, EOHR appeals to Mr. Ibrahim Nafe’e, head of the Press Association and editor-in-chief of “El Ahram” newspaper, to drop the case and use civil action to restore his rights.
Moreover, EOHR calls on all civil society associations in the field of human rights to cooperate and together confront this fierce attack on press freedom. EOHR urges the Egyptian government to cancel all articles that stipulate punishment and sentences in the field of expression and opinion and that contravene the rights related to the freedom of expression, opinion and the press.
