The omnipresent secret police and intelligence services, along with the states ability to control both freedom of movement abroad and employment, cast a chill over journalism: "a policeman on my chest, a scissor in my brain" (Lynch 37)
The other day my friend and I were joking about graduating and what comes after. I (half-kidding) said I'd like to be a journalist, preferably somewhere exotic, like China or Egypt. It's not that I didn't know Egypt was a dangerous place, but reading these articles for my assignment took away any hint of romanticism about the work that these journalists do.
Egypt has been in the top news stories for a variety of different reasons. However, a slew of stories detailing the detainment of journalists in Egypt have caught my eye. Even journalists of big news names like Al Jazeera are being held right now. Government officials claim that at least one of the three Al Jazeera detainees admitted to being a part of the Muslim Brotherhood. Al Jazeera denies that these claims could be true and implores the safe return of their men. This was significant to me because it symbolizes the stereotypes/accusations that Al Jazeera faces: that they are radical, liberal, incite anti-American sentiments, etc.
To add insult to injury, a video was leaked that shows the men being charged in on at a hotel in Caio and arrested. Despite all attempts, I can't actually locate this footage that was apparently aired on a private Egyptian channel. I find it poor taste that this kind of footage could be filmed by security or leaked to the public. On the other hand, I was surprised by the level of backlash. Al Jazeera staff have been very vocal about their opposition, but nearly 100 demonstrators (mostly other members of the press) are protesting outside the Egyptian embassy in Cairo.
Egypt has been in the top news stories for a variety of different reasons. However, a slew of stories detailing the detainment of journalists in Egypt have caught my eye. Even journalists of big news names like Al Jazeera are being held right now. Government officials claim that at least one of the three Al Jazeera detainees admitted to being a part of the Muslim Brotherhood. Al Jazeera denies that these claims could be true and implores the safe return of their men. This was significant to me because it symbolizes the stereotypes/accusations that Al Jazeera faces: that they are radical, liberal, incite anti-American sentiments, etc.
To add insult to injury, a video was leaked that shows the men being charged in on at a hotel in Caio and arrested. Despite all attempts, I can't actually locate this footage that was apparently aired on a private Egyptian channel. I find it poor taste that this kind of footage could be filmed by security or leaked to the public. On the other hand, I was surprised by the level of backlash. Al Jazeera staff have been very vocal about their opposition, but nearly 100 demonstrators (mostly other members of the press) are protesting outside the Egyptian embassy in Cairo.
http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/26/15/26/5821878/5/628x471.jpg
Mohammed Fahmy, a Canadian-Egyptian
Baher Mohamed, an Egyptian
and Grest Kriel, an Australian
Mohammed Fahmy, a Canadian-Egyptian
Baher Mohamed, an Egyptian
and Grest Kriel, an Australian
"At this moment, there are over 20 Al Jazeera journalists facing trial on charges of joining or aiding a terrorist group" (Global News). Egypt was cited as one of the top three most dangerous countries to work as a journalist in 2013, and also one of the top 10 jailers of journalists.
For journalists in Cairo, the job is not just a job. They have to care enough about freedom speech and creating a public sphere that they would put their own lives in danger. This story casts a negative view on media in the Middle East and how it is constantly interrupted or influenced by politics/ political agendas.
For journalists in Cairo, the job is not just a job. They have to care enough about freedom speech and creating a public sphere that they would put their own lives in danger. This story casts a negative view on media in the Middle East and how it is constantly interrupted or influenced by politics/ political agendas.