MENA: Governments must protect press freedom

On World Press Freedom Day, ARTICLE 19 expresses deep concern about the rising numbers of press freedom violations across North Africa and the Middle East. We urge governments of the region to uphold their international obligations, ensuring freedom of expression and the press as fundamental rights that States must protect - in all circumstances.

Journalists across the MENA region face a climate of increasing media censorship through restrictive legislation and tightening restrictions on media institutions, especially independent ones. Attacks against journalists are prevalent, and they face a growing range of aggression, from restrictions and obstructions to their work to prosecution, imprisonment, intimidation, and even physical harm and murder.

In Palestine, since the Hamas attack on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Israel and Occupied Palestinian territories beginning on 7 October 2023,at least 97 journalists have been killed, accounting forthree quartersof the total number of journalists killed worldwide in 2023. Israeli forcesarrested25 journalists, in additionto carrying out numerous attacks and threats against them.

In Jordan, journalistsface harassment or arrest due to their work or for discussing topics prohibited by the government. Among those given prison sentences wereAhmed Hassan Alzabibi,who reported on a truck strike in Ma'an Governorate, andjournalist Heba Abu Taha,for defaming an official body on social media platforms. Others, including Khair al-Din al-Jabri, were summoned for questioning in connection with online activity.

In Egypt,18 journalists and mediaworkers are currently in prison. They include Karim Asaada member of the editorial team of the platform "Mastadakesh". Others, including Mada Masr editor-in-chief Lina Atallah, have been summoned for interrogation by the Public Prosecution. Egyptian authorities continue to besiege independent media institutions. This includes the announcement by the SupremeCouncil for Media Regulation in October 2023 of its decision to ban Mada Masrwebsitefor a period of six months.

In Tunisia, attacks on journalists escalated throughout 2023 and the beginning of 2024, with anunprecedentedincrease in cases of journalists being prosecuted for their work. Among the journalists targeted isKhalifa El Guesmi, who faced five years' imprisonment for his report on dismantling a terrorist cell and his refusal to disclose his sources, marking the maximum penalty imposed on a journalist for their work and sets a dangerous precedent. Although El Guesmi was released on 6 March 2024, after the Court of Cassation overturned the verdict, he still faces charges under Article 34 of the Anti-Terrorism Law. It has becomeincreasingly commonfor ministries and other authorities to file complaints against journalists, and for these to result ininterrogations, court cases and even prison.Muhammad Yassin Al-Ramdanidetained and then released for a Facebook post, andMounia Arfaouiis being investigated for addressing suspicions of corruption involving a minister.Journalist Mohamed Boughlabis currently behind bars following his criticism of a ministry on social media. Haythem El Makki and Elyes El Gharbi were summoned for demoralising accusations. JournalistZiad El Hanireceived a suspended six-month sentence after criticising the Minister of Commerce on the radio.

In Algeria, the sentencing of journalist Ehsan El kadi to seven years in prison has struck a major blow to the journalism community. El Kadi faces multiple charges under the penal code, such as 'spreading false news that would harm national unity' and 'receiving money from abroad'. The Algerian authorities have ignored all international and official calls for his release. Journalist and whistleblowerNoureddine Tounsiwas also arbitrarily arrested on 8 February, 2023, in Oran and faces charges under the Penal Code for 'harming national unity'(Article 79) and 'harming state security' (Article 95 bis),due to his alleged publication of an "official" document on social media.Mustapha Bendjama, spent 14 months in prison after facing eight cases against, making him one of the most harassed journalists in Algeria. In 2023, Algeria also witnessed the closure of many media outlets known for their critical stance against the government, including independentRadio Mand Maghreb Emergent.

ARTICLE 19 calls upon governments in the Middle East and North Africa region to immediately release all detained journalists and drop any charges against them related to their journalistic activities. ARTICLE 19 emphasises the critical need to reinforce the protection of press freedom, both in times of stability and during crises such as conflict and war. We urge the international community to provide protection to journalists, and to work with governments to put an end to targeted violence against them.

Strengthening legal frameworks and institutions that safeguard media freedom, promoting media diversity, and fostering a supportive legal environment are paramount. It is imperative to ensure transparency in government actions and maintain judicial independence. Safeguarding journalists' sources and upholding ethical standards within the journalism profession are also crucial. These measures are fundamental to preserving journalism as a cornerstone of democracy and a healthy society, fostering social cohesion, and advancing the rule of law.

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