The Arabic Network Condemns Assault on Media Freedoms

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information criticised the continued harassments on Egypt’s media freedoms and freedom of expression during the last few days by the new PM Ahmed Shafiq who was appointed by the ousted dictator Hosni Mubarak.

According to sources on February 25 Shafiq issued instructions to end the rerun   of the TV show   Wahid Men ElNas 45 minutes into the programme. Furthermore Shafiq attempted to impose himself on the popular show presented by host Mahmoud Saad and Saad declined on the whole show in support of the public demand to dismiss Shafiq.

Saad had previously planned to host opposition members Osama Ghazali Harb from the National Democratic Front, and Abdul Moneim Abul Fotouh from the Muslim Brotherhood in addition to a group of revolution youth on Saturday, February 26 show Masr Ennahardah. Saad received a call explaining that Shafiq wants to show up on Saad’s show to address citizens on that day.

These incidents prompted the Arabic Network to slam the consecutive attacks on freedom of expression and media freedoms in Egypt during the past few days stressing they are similar to those of the days of police repression before January 25th. The organization described attempts by Shafiq to impose himself as a guest on a popular show despite the refusal of the producer is an unacceptable violation of freedom of expression and a breach to principles and objectives of the revolution.

The Arabic Network for Human Rights stated they were disappointed at the military council which kept Shafiq appointed by the deposed dictator despite his participation in crimes against the revolution of January 25 as PM. They slammed the government which hired thugs to attack protesters using petrol bombs, camels and bladed weapons in Tahrir on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011. Such attacks increase the people’s resolve to unite in solidarity with their demand to dismiss Ahmed Shafiq from office immediately.