Journalists' body hails decision

The UAE Journalists Association praised Shaikh Mohammad's decision that journalists will no longer be jailed for doing their work.

The association considered the move a new achievement to be added to the UAE's achievements in all fields.

Mohammad Yousuf, Chairman of the association, said Shaikh Mohammad's decision reflects the political leadership's supportive stand towards press and journalists, and its support for the freedom of speech and the right of expression.

It also underlines the leadership's keenness to provide the appropriate atmosphere to allow journalists to perform their duties within an atmosphere of transparency and credibility and boldness, while preserving the principles of the profession governed by rules and values.

"The cancellation of imprisonment of journalists is in line with the UAE's general policy," Yousuf said.

"We have been waiting for the publication law for a long time, prepared by the National Media Council under the close supervision of Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister and Chairman of the council," he added.

Yousuf urged journalists to commit to the profession's principles, especially the truth, credibility and accuracy, and also asked them to abide by the ethics of journalism while considering the society's traditions and values.

He also called on media men not to violate others' rights, not to deliberately raise personal issues or violate the society's system of values.