The Supreme Council Of Press In Egypt And The Ministry Of Interior In Morocco Encroach On Judiciary Authority

The Arabic Network For Human Rights Information , ANHRI, strongly resents the governmental decisions taken in both Egypt and Morocco against al Balagh newspaper in Egypt and AKbar Alyoum newspaper in Morocco.

In Egypt, the supreme council of press revoked the license of Al Balagh newspaper in Cairo whereas in Morocco the ministry of interior banned Akhbar AlYoum newspaper and closed down its office in Casa Blanca since 29/9/2009. Both decisions were taken before any court decisions regarding both newspapers have been issued. ANHRI considers this a harsh blow to freedom of press and a battering of the judiciary.

In Cairo, though the prosecution general has started investigations in the incident of Al Balagh newspaper report about homosexual male Egyptian actors in a sex party, the supreme council of press revoked the license of the paper on 5/10/2009, indifferent to investigations outcome. Even if the court convicted the newspaper, license revoking is not a stated legal penalty in press issues in Egypt.

In Casa Blanca , though the court is reviewing a case filed by a member of the royal family against Akhbar AlYoum newspaper objecting to a cartoon about his marriage, the ministry of interior closed the newspaper premises and prevented the reporters from getting through before the court decision has been issued which resulted in withholding of the paper since 29/9/2009.

ANHRI stated that “even if Al Balagh and Akhbar Al Youm were convicted of insult or otherwise, the administrative authorities have no right to jump to conclusions by revoking or closing down. This is a blatant assault to freedom of the press. ANHRI would accept convicting a reporter in a fair trial , but will certainly refuse such encroachments on newspapers’ right to issue. Newspapers issuance is primarily a public right before being a reporters’ right.

Relevant info:
Arab Governments Run The Marathon
Six Papers Banned In Less Than A Week, Race Is Still On
Cairo on 11/8/2009