Media Alliance to support Egypt’s freedom struggle
Journalists Union The Media Alliance has announced it will support Egypt’s pro-democracy movement and join the International Day of Action.
The announcement:
The Media Alliance has added its voice to that of unions around the world with a message of solidarity from federal secretary, Christopher Warren, to mark the International Day of Action in support of Egypt’s pro-democracy movement.
The Alliance has been vocal in its support for a free and independent press in Egypt, condemning the harassment and intimidation of journalists, both local and foreign, by government agencies.
The Day of Action was co-ordinated by the International Trade Union Confederation, which represents 176 million workers in 301 affiliated national organisations from 151 countries and territories. ITUC general secretary, Sharan Burrow, expressed “unwavering support” for the struggle of Egyptians for human rights and social justice.
Warren delivered a video message to express the support of workers in the news media and entertainment industries who, he said, “are the first to suffer under political repression”.
“To our brothers and sisters in the Egyptian media, who routinely experience harassment, censorship and bullying, I say on behalf of Australia’s journalists: we stand with you in your fight for free speech, for the basic right to do your jobs without fear of punishment or retribution.
“We know the importance of a free press to a free and open society. Your struggle is our struggle.
“To our brothers and sisters working in the arts and entertainment industries, we stand with you in your struggle to win the sort of democracy that guarantees a free space to build a strong and independent culture that respects you and your work,” he said.
Warren has also written to the Egyptian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Omar Metwally, to protest at the violence and intimidation of journalists in Egypt, both local and foreign.
Detailing the reports of Australian media personnel being detained, intimidated or otherwise harassed, Warren called on the ambassador to take all necessary steps to ensure the security of foreign journalists while ensuring that local media personnel are also free from bullying and censorship.
“One of the best indicators of the health of a society is the freedom of its press. The latest reports of intimidation and violence towards journalists, local and foreign, give a very poor account of the health of public affairs in Egypt,” Warren wrote.
For the video message click here
Source: The Media Alliance press release
