Egypt: Journalists and independent publishers targeted in the crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy protests; fears for safety

English PEN strongly condemns the violence used against peaceful pro-democracy protestors on 2 February 2011, in which journalists and independent media outlets were amongst those attacked. We are alarmed at reports that these attacks were targeted and state sponsored. We consider the Egyptian authorities to be in violation of the state’s international human rights obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including the right to freedom of expression and information as well as the right to freedom of assembly and association. PEN calls upon the Egyptian state authorities to immediately release all those detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to free expression, and to guarantee the safety of journalists and independent observers seeking to report on the protests. It also urges a full investigation into allegations of state-sponsored violence.

According to our information, scores of people have been arbitrarily detained in the crackdown on peaceful protesters calling for democratic reform in Egypt since 25 January 2011, including several journalists. Many more journalists attempting to cover the demonstrations have been attacked, and tight restrictions have been imposed on freedom of assembly. Reports of physical attacks and brutality against journalists and media outlets have escalated since 2 February 2011, when supporters of President Hosni Mubarak clashed with peaceful anti-government protestors, killing at least five people. Since the protests began ten days ago, hundreds have been injured and an estimated 300 killed across the country. The government has also restricted access to the internet, withdrawn mobile phone services and placed restrictions on independent media.

For more information go to:

Egypt unrest: PM apologises for Tahrir Square violence (3 February 2011)

Reporters Under Attack (2 February 2011)

IPA VP hails support after Egyptian offices attacked (3 February 2011)

TAKE ACTION

Please send appeals immediately:

- Condemning the attacks on peaceful protestors, journalists and independent observers in Cairo and other major cities in Egypt since the start of antigovernment protests on 25 January 2011;
- Calling on the government to remove all restrictions on independent media and release all journalists and lawful protestors who have been detained;
- Urging the authorities to respect Egypt’s international legal obligations in policing the protests and only use force that is reasonable, proportionate and genuinely aimed at preventing crimes;
- Calling upon the government to ensure that there are independent and effective investigations into allegations of killings, attacks or threats by state agents;
- Requesting that the government immediately repeal state emergency laws.

Appeals to:
His Excellency Mohammad Hosni Mubarak
President of the Republic of Egypt
Heliopolis
Egypt
Fax: 202 390 1998

Cc. His Excellency Cr Mamdouh Muheiddin Marei
Minister of Justice
Magles El Shaab St
Justice Bldg
Cairo
Egypt
Fax: 202 7958103

If possible please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for Egypt in the UK:

His Excellency Mr Hatem Seif El Nasr
Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt
26 South Street,
London
W1K 1DW
Fax: 020 7491 1542
Email: eg.emb_london@mfa.gov.eg