Jounalists condemn Minister of Information [Archives:2007/1061/Local News]
SANA'A, June 19 ) The protesting journalists and activists who have been regularly conducting sit-ins at what is known as Freedom Square in front of the Cabinet, have unleashed their anger at the Minister of Information last Tuesday.
Although the activists carry out a sit-in every Tuesday at Freedom Square, but last Tuesday was special as an open-air seminar was conducted in which an analysis by lawyer Abdulaziz Al-Samawi, a specialist in media law, was highlighted. Further, a presentation elaborating the article 33 of the current press code was delivered to the attendees by journalist Najeb Al-Yafi'e, who concluded that article 33 of the law confirmed citizen's, political parties', organizations', and government agencies' rights to issue publications.
“What should be studied here is the dominating controlling mentality of the authority licensing publications (meaning ministry of information). Because legally publishing newspapers or media publications is a right ensured by the constitution and article 33 of the press code,” He said. Additionally, he clarified that the problem is not with the legal texts but it is with the government's mentality and desperation to control information.
Tawakul Karman, chairwoman of Women Journalists without Constraints, whose mobile news services was banned by the government, and who has not been granted a license to issue a newspaper affiliated to the organsiation, also gave a speech at the seminar.
“It is sad to hear such oppressive remarks from those who are supposed to be the protectors of freedom of press. Especially that they give themselves the right to prevent people from their right to issue publications without acceptable justification,” she complained.
She stressed on the right for every citizen to have their own radio, TV channel, or newspaper tc according to international standards. She criticized the fact that her organsiation cannot publish even one newspaper while a Ministry has tens of radio channels and many newspapers sponsored from public funds.
The speakers further stressed on the need to take control of the TV and Radio broadcast and make it public domain instead of being controlled by the government, because they are “of the main tools for peaceful transition of power”. Furthermre, the protestors agreed to make the coming sit-in, next Tuesday, a cultural and artistic demonstration in which a play will be conducted.
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