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Bulaq Misdemeanor Court sentences Ibrahim Essa to six months imprisonment
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26/3/2008
The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR) condemns the sentence issued on 26/3/2008 by Bulaq Misdemeanor Court In a severe violation of freedom of expression in Egypt, the Misdemeanor Court today sentenced Ibrahim Essa, journalist and editor- in- chief- of the independent newspaper "Al- Dostour", a six month imprisonment and 200 Egyptian pound (EGP) bail pending on appeal period..
Essa was summoned by the High State Security Prosecutor's Office on 5/9/2007 on allegations of “Propagating false news and rumors causing general security disturbance and harming public interest ( according to Articles No. 171 -188 of the penal code) " and "Intentionally publishing false news that may hurt public safety." The case dates back articles published by Essa concerning the health of Egyptian president Hosny Mubarak between the 28th- 30th of August, 2006. the case was submitted to Bulaq Misdemeanor Court accordingly . Mr.Hafez Abu Seada participated in the defense staff as the case negotiated through sessions until the decision was issued .
EOHR, gives respect to the Egyptian judiciary, states that criminal defamation and laws that sentence to imprisonment in publishing cases pose an eminent threat to freedom of expression. This threat is constantly present in Egypt: 11 journalists have been sentenced to prison, 5 of which are editors in chief of independent or partisan newspapers , besides other cases which being negotiated and reach 12 cases against 15 journalists .
EOHR calls for the abolishment of all negative punishments in publishing cases according to the conventions and the international covenants related to human rights .
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