MEAA condemns the ongoing detention of journalists in Egypt
The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), the trade union and professional association for media workers in Australia, joins the global condemnation over the ongoing detention of our colleagues Peter Greste, Mohamed Fadel Fahmy and Baher Mohamed, who have been arbitrarily imprisoned by Egyptian authorities since December 29.
We are deeply concerned to learn that our colleagues, all three of whom are well respected journalists working for the Al-Jazeera network, may face charges that reportedly include “joining a terrorist organisation, publishing false news harming national security, terrorising people and harming the people’s general benefit”. We believe they are being detained and charged for simply carrying out their duties as professional journalists.
The arrest of these journalists has cast a cloud over press and media freedom in Egypt where six journalists were killed last year. We also call for the release of other journalists who have been detained in Egypt, some of whom have been arbitrarily imprisoned for more than five months.
We strongly believe that upholding the rights of journalists and permitting the free flow of information is vital to bringing about greater understanding and serves the best interests of all Egyptians and the world.
For more information contact:
Mike Dobbie 0401 730 195
MEAA condemns the ongoing detention of journalists in Egypt
The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), the trade union and professional association for media workers in Australia, joins the global condemnation over the ongoing detention of our colleagues Peter Greste, Mohamed Fadel Fahmy and Baher Mohamed, who have been arbitrarily imprisoned by Egyptian authorities since December 29.
Last update: September 16, 2015
