(EOHR/IFEX) – The head of the Publications Censorship Department at the Ministry of Mass Communication has cancelled “Al-Dostour”‘s printing and distribution license . This decision, which was implemented on 26 February 1998, coincided with the paper’s publication on 25 February of an article entitled “Terrorist groups threaten to assassinate the three most prominent Coptic businessmen […]
(EOHR/IFEX) – The head of the Publications Censorship Department at the
Ministry of Mass Communication has cancelled “Al-Dostour”‘s printing and
distribution license . This decision, which was implemented on 26 February
1998, coincided with the paper’s publication on 25 February of an article
entitled “Terrorist groups threaten to assassinate the three most prominent
Coptic businessmen in Egypt” which had bothered officials and businessmen.
Authorities had expressed concerns that such an article might incite
sectarian strife. Gamal Fahmi, the paper’s editor-in-chief, has indicated
that the decision was issued verbally, a fact which complicates any effort
to file an administrative challenge against it. The Al-Ahram Printing House
has refused to accept the materials for the paper’s nest issue.
Since beginning publication on 13 December 1996, “Al-Dostour” has been
confiscated twice. It has also been the target of censorship on many
occasions, and has been forced both to postpone publication and even
suppress certain articles dealing with civic liberties and the human rights
situation in Egypt.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
the freedom of expression and the press
administrative employees jobless, thus violating their right to work
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Appeals To
His Excellency Mohammad Hosni Mubarak
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Oruba Palace
Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
Fax: +202 260 5417 / 355 5700
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