Connect with us

INTERNATIONAL

EGYPT : IFJ reiterates its call on Egypt to free photojournalist Shawkan | KNO

Published

on

kno news

Brussels, 7th September 2018 (KNO) : The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today renewed its call for the immediate release of Egyptian photojournalist Mahmoud Abou Zeid, known as "Shawkan" on the eve of a verdict in his case which is expected tomorrow 8 September in Cairo.

Zeid has been behind bars for over 5 years following his arrest in 2013. Shawkan is one among more than 700 defendants in a political mass trial in Cairo for whom the “maximum penalty” – death by hanging – was requested by the prosecution on 3 March 2018. He was honored with the UNESCO/Guillermo-Cano World Press Freedom Prize in 2018.

The photojournalist was Opens external link in new windowarrested in Cairo, on 14 August 2013, during an assignment for the now-dissolved British photo agency Demotix, when he was covering the police crackdown on protesters in Rabaa Square. The freelance journalist was allegedly charged with multiple accounts including “damaging national unity”, “terrorizing citizens” and “attempted murder of police officers”. It has been reported that Shawkan, against whom no evidence of the charges of wrongdoing has never been produced, is in poor health and suffers from chronic anemia and hepatitis C.

In March this year, IFJ president Philippe Leruth wrote a Opens external link in new windowletter to Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, in which he expressed grave concern over Shawkan and others journalists’ detention and called on Egyptian authorities to stop arresting and intimidating journalists. IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger said:

“The entire journalism community is gravely concerned for the wellbeing of Shawkan who has endured more than five years in jail despite the failure of the authorities to proof his guilt at trial. The mere fact that his may be facing a death penalty for reporting the truth is a devastating blow to press freedom. This should never happen. We demand President Adbel Fattah El-Sisi to do his utmost so that all charges against Shawcan are dropped and our colleague is set free immediately.”

Trending

TOP STORIES4 hours ago

34-yr-old man found dead in Soura | KNO

TOP STORIES5 hours ago

10 dead after cab plunges into gorge in Ramban, rescue ops continue | KNO

TOP STORIES5 hours ago

10 dead after cab plunges into gorge in Ramban | KNO

TOP STORIES16 hours ago

Refrain from disclosing identity of children in need of care, protection: CWC Sgr | KNO

TOP STORIES16 hours ago

Tragedy Strikes Again: Minor Girl Mauled to Death by Leopard in Budgam Village, 2nd Attack in Past 17 Days | KNO

TOP STORIES16 hours ago

Man jumps into river Jhelum near Zaina Kadal | KNO

TOP STORIES18 hours ago

Illegally acquired property of notorious drug peddler attached in Bla: Police | KNO

TOP STORIES18 hours ago

ADGP L&O reviews preparedness for upcoming elections | KNO

TOP STORIES18 hours ago

HMT Zainakote residents protest against power paucity in Ramadan | KNO

TOP STORIES18 hours ago

Missing girl from Chasana, Reasi recovered within 2 days: Police | KNO

TOP STORIES18 hours ago

HMT Zainakote residents decry contaminated water supply during Ramadan | KNO

TOP STORIES18 hours ago

Budgam residents concerned over deteriorating road conditions | KNO

TOP STORIES18 hours ago

Congress leader Harbans Bral joins BJP in Jammu | KNO

TOP STORIES18 hours ago

Shopian, Pir Panjal residents demand reopening of Mughal Road for traffic | KNO

TOP STORIES18 hours ago

Dry, hollow chinar trees risk lives of students, people in Ganderbal’s Saloora | KNO

TOP STORIES18 hours ago

Ten Injured as vehicle plunges into gorge in Poonch | KNO

TOP STORIES18 hours ago

‘Don’t be fooled’: Omar cautions against believing AFSPA repeal promises | KNO

Copyright © 2021