Egypt: Courts end ‘net censorship-ANHRI
January 1, 2008
[FACT comments: Occasionally courts can be public-spirited and act independently against the decisions of government bureaucrats. Can we do the dsame in Thailand?]
Egyptian judiciary gift to the freedom of expression in the end in 2007:
Lawsuit demanding banning of websites in Egypt is rejected with the emphasis on the freedom of Internet
Arabic Network for Human Rights Information
Hisham Mubarak Law Center
Cairo, December 29, 2007
In a court ruling restoring hope in the hearts of all defenders of freedom of opinion and expression in Egypt and the world, the Administrative Judicial Court issued a sentence today in Case No. 15575 / 61 , which was brought by Judge Abdul Fattah Murad calling for banning the 51 websites on the Internet in Egypt. The court rejected the lawsuit, and emphasized the support for freedom of expression and not compromising the freedom of these websites as long as these sites do not harm the beliefs or public order.
This historical sentence comes as the best conclusion to a year that witnessed a sharp retreat in the freedom of press and freedom of expression in Egypt. Such a retreat almost hit the many defenders of the freedom of expression with despair and frustration. Yet this sentence comes to emphasize that there is always a glimmer of light and the struggle of defenders of freedom of expression will not be in vain.
On the other hand, this sentence in support of freedom of expression is a blow to the new “Hesba” men who lie in wait everywhere targeting freedom of expression and freedom of press and those who seek to impose a climate of fear and panic in the hearts of writers, and Internet users, as well as the attempt to drag Egypt to the dark ages of the Inquisition.
“Minor victories give us hope and the ability to continue, and this sentence restored to us confidence that our efforts in support of freedoms in Egypt are not lost in vain.” said Ahmed Seif Al-Islam Hamad, a human rights activist and former director of Hisham Mubarak Law Center.
“It is truly a wonderful day, and we are pleased with this sentence that restores things back to normal and restores consideration for human rights and press institutions and blogs that have been unjustly described by terrorism.” sai Gamal Eid Executive Director of the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information & he added: “The right of citizens to a free Internet and a free flow of information is now guaranteed by the judiciary in Egypt”.
The 2 law firms (HRInfo & HMLC) decided to hold a celebration with this sentence, for all supporters of freedom of expression and freedom of press, either in this case or in other cases. The date and place to be determined at a later time, as a prelude to another round in the struggle against the restrictions, banning and control of information flow in Egypt.
Arabic Network for Human Rights Information
Hisham Mubarak Law Center
