Egypt : Some of The Democratic revolution Fruits In The Field Of freedom Of Expression A Court ruled that being Baha’i is not an insult or libel and in support of journalists’ rights

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information welcomed today, the verdict issued on 19/2/2011 by Maragha misdemeanors appeals court in Sohag, in the case # 9029 / 2010. The judge acquitted the Hoda Hosni Mohammed , a journalist in Horreyti magazine in a case filed by some citizens claiming that Baha’i Faith in their family is an insult and libel.

Legal proceedings were taken against the journalist , she stood before Maragha misdemeanors court over charges of libel and marring the reputation of families, penalized by the penal code at the backdrop of a story of a Baha’i family in Shoraniya village , published on 4/12/2009.

 The story was clear of any abuse. However the newspaper editor altered the story headline to another which was taken by the family as insulting and harmful to their reputation .

On 24/5/2010 , the court of first instance sentenced Hoda to one year in prison, a bail of LE 500 as well as LE 10001 as and interim civil compensation to the family.

Hoda contacted lawyers of the legal aid unit for freedom of expression in the Arabic Network and they appealed to the sentence . The misdemeanors appeals court on 19/2/2011, acquitted the journalist , as being Baha’i is not insulting or slanderous. The court blamed the editor for a misleading headline and rejected all relevant civil cases.

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information is pleased to get to this ruling, which is a victory for freedom of expression, and indirectly confirms that being Baha’i is not a crime or a shame. It is an important step in the way of political reform and freedom of belief .

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