Saturday, July 08, 2006
BBC: Egyptian papers protest over law
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Egyptian papers protest over law:
"Some two dozen Egyptian newspapers are suspending publication for a day to protest against a new law they say will prevent them investigating corruption.
The papers will not appear on Sunday and journalists plan to stage a demonstration outside parliament.
President Hosni Mubarak promised two years ago that he would abolish prison sentences for media offences.
But a new draft law makes it a crime punishable by prison to question the financial integrity of individuals.
Editors of the newspapers taking part in the protest are hoping that public opinion will pressure the government into changing its position."
"Some two dozen Egyptian newspapers are suspending publication for a day to protest against a new law they say will prevent them investigating corruption.
The papers will not appear on Sunday and journalists plan to stage a demonstration outside parliament.
President Hosni Mubarak promised two years ago that he would abolish prison sentences for media offences.
But a new draft law makes it a crime punishable by prison to question the financial integrity of individuals.
Editors of the newspapers taking part in the protest are hoping that public opinion will pressure the government into changing its position."
