Freedom of speech, Egyptian style
The Islamist government of Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammed Morsy in Egypt is putting two journalists on trial for 'defaming and insulting' the President. [Tawfiq] Okasha, who owns the al-Faraeen TV channel and is also a show host, faces the charge of defamation and is accused of "inciting to kill" the president, according to Adel Saeed, spokesman for the general prosecutor's office.Aren't you glad we cut Mubarak loose in favor of the new, 'democratic' Egypt?
[Islam] Afifi, who is editor of the al-Dustour newspaper, was referred to the court for "spreading false information and rumors that threaten the security and stability of the nation" and for insulting Morsy, the spokesman said.
A date was not immediately announced for the trial, which will be watched closely by those looking for signs of what the future of press freedom will be under the new president, who took office in June.
The two journalists were summoned to the prosecutor's office for questioning, but neither appeared, according to the spokesman.
Afifi, speaking by phone to 25TV, said he had not been summoned.
Over the weekend, prosecutors imposed a travel ban on the two journalists, prohibiting them from leaving Egypt while they are under investigation, Saeed said.
Authorities have already moved to limit the output of their outlets.
They ordered copies of al-Dustour to be seized and suspended Okasha's show for a month, the spokesman said.
Labels: Egypt, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, Mohammed Morsy, Muslim Brotherhood
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 5:23 PM
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