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To: IFEX Autolist (other news of interest)
From: ARTICLE 19, press@article19.org
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release - 14 June 2007
Egypt: ARTICLE 19 calls for acquittal in Al Jazeera journalist appeal
ARTICLE 19 calls for the acquittal of Al Jazeera journalist Howaida Taha,
who was sentenced to six months imprisonment and forced labour in May 2007
and whose appeal will be heard this Saturday, June 16.
On May 2, 2007, AL-Nozha Felonies Court in Cairo sentenced Al-Jazeera
journalist Howaida Taha to six months prison and forced labour, for
producing a documentary on torture in Egypt. Taha's documentary, which was
screened on Al Jazeera in April, had become a poignant and crucial
testimony of the violations committed against Egyptians by the country's
security apparatus. Ms Taha was sentenced in absentia but has decided to
return to Egypt to defend herself in the appeal.
"The Egyptian legal system has one chance to do the right thing – upheld
international standards on freedom of expression and fair trial. It is
essential that it complies with its international obligations" said Dr.
Agnes Callamard, ARTICLE 19 Executive Director
Howaida Taha has been convicted under articles 80 and 178 of the Penal
Code, which prohibit "acts that intend to harm national interests" and
"possessing and giving pictures and recorded material that undermine the
image of the country by presenting material contrary to the reality or
presenting inappropriate scenes". The court also fined her 20,000 EGP
(3,500$) and bailed her 10,000 EGP. Her laptop was also confiscated, as
were a set of video tapes that had been taken from her in January 2007 at
Cairo airport.
ARTICLE 19 believes that the charges contravene Ms Taha's internationally
guaranteed right to freedom of expression and that the trial itself did not
conform to international standards. We are particularly concerned that the
court turned down numerous defense requests, including a request to hear
witnesses who could testify to the truth of the allegations made in the
report. ARTICLE 19 further believes that no-one should be convicted for
reporting a truthful story.
ARTICLE 19 is also concerned with the frequent use in Egypt of Articles 80
and 178 of the penal code, and related provisions, to suppress legitimate
criticisms of government policies, acts of the executive and abuses of
power.
"The case against Howaida is not unique and is part of a series of repeated
government-led attacks, including through the abuse of legal procedures, to
silence dissent, take revenge on critical voices, and further undermine
freedom of expression in Egypt." adds Dr. Callamard.
ARTICLE 19 calls for the acquittal of Ms Taha. We also call for a reform of
the Egyptian criminal code, in line with Egypt's international obligations.
Egypt has ratified the ICCPR as well as the African Charter on Human and
Peoples Rights, both of which are legally binding treaties that guarantee
the right to freedom of expression as well as the right to a fair trial. It
must respect its international obligations.
NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information, please contact Hoda Rouhana, Programme Officer for
Middle East and North Africa, hoda@article19.org +442072789292
ARTICLE 19 is an independent human rights organisation that works globally
to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression. It takes its
name from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which
guarantees free speech.
ARTICLE 19
6-8 Amwell Street London EC1R 1UQ United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7278 9292 - Fax: +44 20 7278 7660 - info@article19.org -
www.article19.org
**The information contained in this autolist item is the sole
responsibility of ARTICLE 19**
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