Al-Ahram`s printing press plays the role of the controller and violates the people’s right to know

Date : Thursday, 12 September, 2013
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The Association of Freedom of Though and Expression (AFTE) expressed its rejection of the refusal of the officials of Al Ahram printing press to print the second edition of El Badeel independent newspaper in yesterday’s edition today. The association warns of dire

consequences to be the result of such practices that concern people’s right to know. It also indicates the continuation of a new kind of print censorship. Moreover, it gives the printing press a regulatory authority over the publications which should be addressed to not to find ourselves before a new control authority along with the various regulatory bodies.

El Badeel’s website revealed the details of Al Ahram`s refusal to print the second edition, it stated that this was due to the second edition’s headlines that fully covered the fire of the committees building of the General Assembly and the Shura Council:

http://www.elbadeel.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29215&Itemid=1

AFTE asserted that the people’s right to know is considered the essence of freedom of expression and thought. Therefore, any failure in achieving it will endanger the freedom of expression and the society.

It also stresses on the fact that the Egyptian legislation structure states the people’s right to know as well as the secondary rights completing the freedom of expression. These rights gain their legitimacy from the constitution especially articles 47 and 48 as well as article 19 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and from the third term of the journalism charter.

The Association for Freedom of Though and Expression demands the Egyptian government to fulfill its international commitments regarding the protection of the people’s right to know in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Furthermore, it demands Al Ahram to reveal the reasons behind the refusal to print the second edition of El Badeel independent newspaper and to also publish them out of respect to the people’s right to know these reasons.

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