Setback for press freedom in Egypt
The newly acquired press freedom in Egypt is put to the test by Egyptian military in a move described as a major setback for media by press freedom organisations
Following protests last Friday on Tahrir Square where two people were killed and scores wounded by security forces, Egyptian military issued an order that media obtain approval for all mentions of the armed forces before publication.
The new move to increase censorship is described by media support organisations as the greatest setback for press freedom in Egypt since the fall of former President Mubarak.
Michael Irving Jensen, programme coordinator of International Media Supports work in Egypt, describes the reactions of Egyptian media upon his return from Cairo this week:
– Independent media are very concerned about the recent actions by the military to stifle press freedom and are reminded of the old regime. After months of euphoria linked to the newfound freedom to write and publish, the walls are once again closing in. Much of the press covered the protests on Tahrir Square last Friday on their websites on Saturday morning. By the afternoon, the stories and videos had been removed.
In spite of increased censorship, Michael Irving Jensen does not think the situation of the media will revert to pre-revolution times.
– There is a definite change in mentality in Egypt – also amongst journalists and the army cannot change this. The new energy and faith in change will stop time from turning back.
Michael Irving Jensen also points to the many positive changes that have occurred in media since the revolution, especially in state media.
– There are several examples of newspapers where editors appointed during the Mubarak regime were replaced with new, more legitimate editors. On the newspaper Al Ahram, the new editor in chief was chosen by the staff and subsequently appointed by Prime Minister Essam Sharaf. There are also a huge number of initiatives taken by young, progressive people such as the launch of Radio Ta7rir which aired six weeks ago for the first time.
In spite of the new challenges facing the media, the Egyptian media sector is one of the most progressive in the Arab world. In cooperation with Egyptian and international media partners, IMS is working to strengthen independent media and support media policy reform to aid the country on its road to democracy ahead of the fall elections.
For more information, contact Helle Wahlberg, IMS, tel. 0045 88327005.
