(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is worried by the systematic use of libel action undertaken to sue journalists in an attempt to suppress freedom of expression. **For background on previous cases against Magdi Hussein see IFEX alerts of 7 July, 3 July, 1 June, 30 March and 25 February 1998, 19 September, 10 September and 28 January […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is worried by the systematic use of libel action undertaken
to sue journalists in an attempt to suppress freedom of expression.
**For background on previous cases against Magdi Hussein see IFEX alerts of
7 July, 3 July, 1 June, 30 March and 25 February 1998, 19 September, 10
September and 28 January 1997, 29 May, 24 May, 9 May and 31 January 1996**
Four journalists working for an opposition newspaper are standing trial on
charges of libelling a government minister. Magdi Ahmad Hussein,
editor-in-chief of the bi-weekly “Al-Shaab”, his brother Adel Hussein and
Salah Bdeiwi, both reporters, and Essam Hanafi, a cartoonist, are accused of
libelling the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Youssef
Wali.
According to RSF, these journalists never encouraged the use of violence.
Magdi Hussein and another “Al-Shaab” journalist were sentenced in February
1998 to two years in prison. The appeal court quashed the verdict in July,
leading to their release.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the President:
subject
to a fair trial
their
right to freedom of speech as defined in the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights, which has been ratified by Egypt
Appeals To
His Excellency Hosni Mubarak
President of the Republic
Abedine Palace
Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt
Fax: +202 260 5417 / 355 5700
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
