"It is certain that there is an intent to silence the newspaper," ANHRI said.
(ANHRI/IFEX) – Cairo, October 5th, 2010 – The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) is deeply disturbed by the shocking news that the owners of “Dostor” decided to dismiss editor Ibrahim Eissa on October 4th.
It is believed that an article by el-Baradei is the reason behind the dismissal. Millions of Egyptians readers had expected that the paper’s new owner, el-Sayed el-Badawy, would take such a decision. Nonetheless, it was surprising that the decision was taken a few hours after his official takeover of the newspaper. El-Badawy issued the decision and forwarded it to the Supreme Council of the Press, without first notifying Eissa.
It is certain that there is an intent to silence the newspaper. Workers have moved all computer and equipment from the newspaper’s premises. Journalists were shocked to find their offices empty. Some journalists protested the move, but they were insulted by the new management.
Ibrahim Mansour, the paper’s executive editor, said,”It was known beforehand that el-Badawy would fail to keep his promises to stick to the newspaper’s editorial policy, which he pledged two months ago when he bought the newspaper. This measure is aimed at silencing the newspaper that has always supported democracy and stood for Egyptians’ rights”.
ANHRI executive director Gamal Eid said,”it is not a coincidence that this paper is gagged on the same day the NDP (National Democratic Party) announce their candidates’ lists for the upcoming public elections. The decision to dismiss Eissa is but a token of gratitude from el-Badawy to the government”.
ANHRI is deeply concerned that Egyptian and Arab citizens will be left without this bold newspaper that always stood for rights and dignity. It offers complete support to Eissa and all journalists working for “Dostor”, who always rang the bell against oppression and corruption in Egypt and the Arab world.