Abu Dhabi/Dubai: In a victory for freedom of the press in the UAE, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday issued instructions that journalists in the country will not be jailed for doing their work.
The announcement was made by Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister and Chairman of the National Media Council (NMC).
Shaikh Abdullah said Shaikh Mohammad issued instructions that no journalist is to be jailed for reasons related to his work, adding that there are other measures that may be taken against journalists who break the press and publication law, but not jail, WAM reported.
Shaikh Abdullah said Shaikh Mohammad has also issued instructions to the Cabinet to speed up the necessary steps to issue the new publication law in the light of the amendments made by the NMC after consulting concerned authorities.
He praised Shaikh Mohammad's initiative, which is an expression of his deep belief in freedom of the press and its role in society, and underlines his support for media professionals and his keenness to provide the best working environment to help them discharge their duties in the best way. Shaikh Mohammad's instructions follow a Dubai court ruling giving two Khaleej Times journalists two-month jail terms for libelling an Iranian woman.
Essam Eisa Al Humaidan, Dubai Attorney-General, praised Shaikh Mohammad's decision as appropriate and timely. But he cautioned journalists that it encourages them to search for the truth more and practice self-censorship without affecting the profession.
The UAE Journalists Association also praised the decision. Mohammad Yousuf, Chairman of the association, said the directive reflects the leadership's support for the press and journalists, and its backing for freedom of speech and the right of expression.
Sami Al Reyami, Editor of Emarat Alyoum, said Shaikh Mohammad's instructions and the amendment of the Publication Law will make the UAE a bastion of press freedom. However, he said, the initiative makes it incumbent on journalists to be committed to professional ethics.
