Journalists mourn freedom of expression [Archives:2007/1079/Local News]

SANA'A, Aug. 22 ) A corpse made of newspapers was the creative piece in a syndicate funeral this week. The corpse was “freedom of expression” which was supposedly murdered by the Ministry of Information.

The freedom corpse was carried on the shoulders of journalists, activists, and protesters, who placed it in front of the gate of the cabinet, where the protestors recited verses of the Holy Quran.

Tawakul Kurman, chairperson of Women Journalists without Chains commented on this performance, saying that it is natural for journalists to believe their freedom of expression is murdered in the hands of the ones supposed to protect it. She persisted that the journalists struggle has only just begun and that they will continue to fight until every citizen has the right to establish a newspaper, a TV or Radio channel.

“The Ministry of Information announced that it intends to establish four new state satellite channels, producing ridiculously unprofessional nauseating programs.”

Sameer Jebran, a journalist whose request to license a newspaper was denied by the Ministry approved of the dramatic performance because “actions speak louder than words”. “Despite international criticism, the regime resorts to violating the right to freedom of expression even more,” he said.
——
[archive-e:1079-v:15-y:2007-d:2007-08-23-p:ln]