JOURNALISM IS NOT A CRIME
On 23 June 2014 the world of Journalism was torn apart after three Al Jazeera English journalists were jailed in Egypt. Peter Greste and Mohamed Fahmy were given seven years each and Baher Mohamed was given ten years (well, seven with three extra for possessing a bullet).
There was no credible evidence; the evidence they had was either nonsense (a pop video? Gimme a break!) or not relevant to the case.
There was absolutely no reason for these men to have been given their respective sentences. For a start the so-called "bullet" was actually only an empty casing that Baher had picked up during a protest. He wasn't the first journalist to take a souvenir and probably won't be the last. To prosecute him for this is just ludicrous.
Egypt has effectively and unjustifiably made journalists and journalism it's enemy. They have received condemnation from all over the world.
As a freelance journalist, I feel this verdict has not only shown contempt for journalism but will encourage other countries to think they have carte blanche to treat journalists in any way they see fit whether it be legal or not; whether it be humane or not and whether it is justified or not. This ruling has effectively put journalists in even greater danger than they were before.
The journalists' families and respective countries are using diplomatic means to get the three journalists released. Meanwhile, everyone else - journalists and non-journalists alike - are continuing to scream, shout and tweet #FREEAJSTAFF and #JournalismIsNotaCrime until their fingers bleed.
And it must keep going. We must let these three brave men see that they have not been forgotten. We also need to show Egypt that we will not tolerate them treating any journalists like this.
Hopefully, but unlikely, the Egyptian authorities will come to their senses and release the staff of Al Jazeera.
Until then; we shall still scream #FREEAJSTAFF.
If you wish to send a message to Peter Greste please visit: freepetergreste@gmail.com
If you wish to send a donation, please visit: http://www.freepetergreste.org
If you wish to send a message to Mohamed Fahmy please go here: http://repent11.wordpress.com/2014/07/06/words-of-support/comment-page-1/#comment-90 …
Egypt has effectively and unjustifiably made journalists and journalism it's enemy. They have received condemnation from all over the world.
As a freelance journalist, I feel this verdict has not only shown contempt for journalism but will encourage other countries to think they have carte blanche to treat journalists in any way they see fit whether it be legal or not; whether it be humane or not and whether it is justified or not. This ruling has effectively put journalists in even greater danger than they were before.
The journalists' families and respective countries are using diplomatic means to get the three journalists released. Meanwhile, everyone else - journalists and non-journalists alike - are continuing to scream, shout and tweet #FREEAJSTAFF and #JournalismIsNotaCrime until their fingers bleed.
And it must keep going. We must let these three brave men see that they have not been forgotten. We also need to show Egypt that we will not tolerate them treating any journalists like this.
Hopefully, but unlikely, the Egyptian authorities will come to their senses and release the staff of Al Jazeera.
Until then; we shall still scream #FREEAJSTAFF.
If you wish to send a message to Peter Greste please visit: freepetergreste@gmail.com
If you wish to send a donation, please visit: http://www.freepetergreste.org
If you wish to send a message to Mohamed Fahmy please go here: http://repent11.wordpress.com/2014/07/06/words-of-support/comment-page-1/#comment-90 …
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