Arab journalists denounce Congressional effort to censor Arab World media reporting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mounzer Sleiman, Ph.D

Telephone: (202) 341-7047

Email: globalzr@aol.com

WAAJ EXPRESSES SERIOUS CONCERN OVER HR 2278 UNWISELY

TARGETTING ARAB MEDIA

The Bill Paves the Way to Crack Down on Freedom of Expression

WASHINGTON, DC, February 24, 2010— U.S. Congress is currently debating passing a bill designed to suffocate freedom of expression throughout the Arab World. The Bill, H.R. 2278, while broadly worded stipulates that the President submit to Congress a “report on anti-American incitement to violence in the Middle East, and for other purposes.” The Bill, passed the House with three dissenting votes, is aimed at certain satellite television outlets as “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” groups.

While the Bill sponsors maintain that the intention is not to suppress freedom of expression, if it passes the Senate, is precisely what it seeks to accomplish. The United States is historically credited with uncompromising resolve to defend freedom of expression; however, the Bill and its sponsors are setting a dangerous precedent to the contrary.  As CNN’s veritable journalist, Fareed Zakaria, eloquently argued on his show broadcast on Sunday, February 21, 2010, “… freedom of speech … competition of ideas … and the exporting of these ideas have historically been the cornerstone” of U.S. Foreign Policy.

The sponsors rush to pass into law a repressive measure is disturbing and may lead to legitimizes further acts of containing a vibrant freedom of expression current. We urge our colleagues in the various outlets of U.S. media to expose this narrative and continue to support expressions to bring political reform.

The Washington Association of Arab Journalists (WAAJ) is a professional organization, based in Washington, D.C., and represents accredited Arab journalists.

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