In response to the Press Release which was also posted on this blog three days ago, entitled "Egypt: USCIRF Calls for New Policy on National Identity Cards" and published "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" on 16 November 2006 by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, the Egyptian press started to bring this document to the attention of the Egyptian public by publishing an Arabic translation and a report on the press release in the Egyptian media.Al-Masry al-Youm [the Daily Egyptian] newspaper was the first to report on this in its article published on 18 November 2006 as attached with this post.
The article was entitled, "American Religious Freedom Commission Monitors [Watches] the [Legal] Trial of The Baha'is in Egypt," and subtitled, "Findings of the Commission: the Egyptian Government is Violating the Rights of the Citizens." The report, written by Ms. Fat'heyah el-Dakh'a'khny, was accurate in its translation, unbiased and stuck to reporting the facts from the press release without any unusual interpretations or unwarranted commentary. It represents a good example of honest, ethical and independent journalism.
Do I feel tension raising?
ReplyDeleteIn response to comments on the previous posts: this is probably one of the remarkable differences between Iran and Egypt (and there are many) -- the fact that some of the Egyptian press is ready to speak about the breach of the human rights of Bahá'ís in Egypt and even bring an unbiased perspective. We have yet to see that happen in Iran.
ReplyDeleteMarco,
ReplyDeleteNot too fast! This matter will ultimately have to be solved by the government. It had to go to courts out of necessity, but this is only a step towards a change in policy at the executive level....
There is a very strong push by the executive branch to solve this issue, promote civil rights, treat people equally, and enforce constitutional guarantees of freedom of belief & freedom of thought, as well as constitutional reforms that will promote democracy and justice for all.
Diane,
ReplyDeleteIf we learn from the past, Egypt has traditionally led the rest of the region in reforms and progress. So, perhaps this current crisis--even though it is now going through a lot of turbulence--will ultimately have the same impact on the region...that is in a positive sense!
Yes, I am optomistic on this development. Egypt seems to be simply too large and the level of education among high and low, male and female so wide spread, to be contained by any one faction or element.
ReplyDeleteEdo River
Yes, I agree.... This will take time though, and the transition will be gradual. We are still in the tunnel, but heading in the right direction....
ReplyDelete