Dozens of Egyptian journalists demonstrate, demand freedoms

Wednesday 10-06-2015 07:41 PM
Dozens of Egyptian journalists demonstrate, demand freedoms

Journalists protest on March 29, 2014 after the death of a colleague in violent clashes - Aswat Masriya

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CAIRO, Jun 10 (Aswat Masriya) - Several bureau members of Egypt's press syndicate handed the state's top prosecutor complaints demanding the release of two journalists currently behind bars on Wednesday. 

Dozens of journalists organised a demonstration at the press syndicate, calling for freedoms, fair wages and syndicate protection.

They also voiced objection to the detention of journalists and to their "arbitrary dismissals".    

They demanded the release of two journalists in specific, photojournalist Mahmoud Abu Zeid, also known as Shawkan and revolutionary activist and contributor to Ahram Online; Youssef Shaaban. 

Gamal Abdel Reheem, the syndicate secretary-general said in a statement published on the syndicate's website that syndicate has received messages of support from across the world, expressing "full solidarity" with Egypt's journalists. 

Human rights watchdog Amnesty International said in a statement published on World Press Freedom Day on May 3 that there are at least 18 currently detained journalists in Egypt.

The group said that journalists in Egypt face "acute dangers including arbitrary arrest, indefinite detention without charge, prosecution and intimidation."

Two committees, in the press syndicate, concerned with freedoms have called for today's events. 

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