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When the Egyptian revolution broke out in January 2011, millions of people around the world turned to Al Jazeera for its in-depth, around-the-clock coverage.
Three years later, not one single Al Jazeera journalist is reporting on the ground in Egypt. Instead, four of the media network’s journalists are being detained by Egyptian authorities.
The worldwide call for their release — championed by human rights organizations around the world — is based on a simple message: Journalism isn’t a crime.
Last year, Egypt was the world’s third deadliest country for journalists, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. At least five journalists were killed and 45 were assaulted there in 2013, while 11 news outlets were raided by Egyptian security forces.
Some of my fellow Overseas Press Club board members have joined thousands of others to express their solidarity with journalists detained or stifled in Egypt. We’re asking Egypt not to suppress freedom of the press. Will you do the same? #FreeAJStaff