Video | Journalists call on PM to take stand at EU on attacks on media in Egypt

In a protest held in front of the Egyptian embassy in Ta’ Xbiex, journalist Karl Stagno-Navarra stressed that the events unfolding in Egypt where dozens of journalists, cameramen, press photographers and bloggers are being arrested, beaten and disappearing is unacceptable.

He echoed a call from ‘Reporters Without Borders’ that : “the highest level of the Egyptian government must be held responsible for this policy of physical attacks. We urge the international community to adopt a strong unanimous position quickly, to draw the appropriate conclusions from the events of the past few days and to consider sanctions.”

Stagno-Navarra appealed to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi who is participating at the European Union meeting for Heads of Government in Brussels, to voice Malta’s concern over the media situation in Egypt, and to demand protection and the unconditional release of all detained journalists.

He produced a long list of journalists’ names and the organisations they represent who have been attacked or arrested in Egypt during the last 24 hours, and stressed that not even in war situations would the number be so high in such a short time.

“It is clear that there is a clear attempt at obscuring whatever is happening in Egypt and to push the media out of the country,” Stagno-Navarra said.

At the end of the protest, Karl Stagno-Navarra deposited the list of attacked and arrested journalists on the embassy’s doorstep.

Representatives from Alternattiva Demokratika and Moviment Graffiti also attended in solidarity with the journalists.

Moviment Graffiti

In a statement, Moviment Graffiti praised the initiative taken by local journalists, and stressed that what is happening in Egypt is historical as harsh dictators are feeling the threat of popular uprising.

"The enormous courage shown by the people of Egypt is exceptional, especially when one notes that contrary to what happened in other countries in the West, many preferred to stay loyal to their dictators for a long time, who enjoyed generous contributions in military, financial and political support."

PL expresses support

The Labour Party has expressed its support for the initiative taken by Maltese journalists in protesting in front of the Egyptian embassy and their call for the release of journalists arrested in Egypt.

MP Gino Cauchi, PL spokesman for civil society, minorities and media stressed that journalistic freedom must be protected at all times.