28 June - 4 July 2001
Issue No.540
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 28 June - 4 July 2001 Issue No.540 |
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'United under one flag'
President Hosni Mubarak has condemned the independent newspaper Al-Nabaa for publishing a scandalous story about a defrocked monk, accompanied by indecent pictures, reports Nevine Khalil.
Mubarak, speaking on Sunday to National Democratic Party (NDP) members of the Shura Council, described the publication of the text and photos as "irresponsible and immoral," but noted that the Press Syndicate and the Supreme Press Council were quick to respond, reacting in a commendable manner.
Mubarak told the gathering that as soon as authorities learned about the story and "the dubious actions of the newspaper," they notified the concerned religious figures to prevent any backlash. "The religious authorities requested that legal action be taken against any immoral behaviour," said Mubarak. "What the newspaper did was met with decisive action."
The president added that he refused to invoke the Emergency Law "because this is an issue related to the press," noting that the Press Syndicate and Supreme Press Council "took the initiative and necessary measures to penalise and deter" the perpetrators. "I commend the speedy action of the syndicate. Now the case is being heard by our highly respected judiciary," said Mubarak.
Strongly criticising Al-Nabaa's story, Mubarak said that the "respectable national press, which is home to many conscientious and prominent writers and intellectuals, is capable of stamping out the yellow, irresponsible press." The president added that there are "forces who want to interpret recent incidents according to their whims in an attempt to weaken Egypt by propagating empty, baseless rumours. However, I say that Muslims and Christians are united under one flag, and that freedom of belief is guaranteed for every Egyptian."
Mubarak told the gathering that "the welfare of the nation remains above all interests. We should not allow those whose intentions are questionable to sow the seeds of civil strife in our ranks." He urged that society protect and honour its values, "at the forefront of which are religious teachings and traditions. Freedom does not mean corrupting society because if our values become bankrupt, future generations will be lost."
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