Media Watchdog Criticizes Egyptian Ministry Return

Posted July 13th, 2011 at 5:30 am (UTC-5)
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A media watchdog group has criticized Egypt's reinstatement of its information ministry, saying the move is a “setback for media freedom” in the country.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said in a statement that the ministry is not suitable for reforming Egypt's media industry because of its history as an arm of ousted autocratic president Hosni Mubarak's government.

The information ministry was seen as a propaganda tool for Mr. Mubarak, and was abolished shortly after he stepped down in February.

The country's ruling military council reinstated the ministry last week and appointed a new information minister.

Meanwhile, the military rulers have warned opposition protesters not to “deviate from peaceful means” as they stage sit-ins in Cairo and other cities to demand quicker political reforms.

Major General Mohsen el-Fangari read a statement on state television Tuesday, urging Egyptians to “confront” anyone who causes disruptions and harms the public interest.

It was the military council's strongest warning to reformists since they set up a tent camp in Cairo's Tahrir Square last Friday, blocking roads and the entrance to a government building.

Thousands of activists have been camping at the square since then, refusing to leave until their demands are met and threatening to expand their protest to other parts of Cairo. Anti-government activists also have staged sit-ins in the cities of Alexandria and Suez.

Earlier Tuesday, about 30 men armed with knives and sticks stormed the tent camp in Tahrir Square, wounding several people before the protesters forced them out.

The reformists want Egypt's military council to move faster in purging and prosecuting government officials and police loyal to Mr. Mubarak.

Egypt's military-appointed Prime Minister Essam Sharaf also has offered several concessions to the protesters in recent days. Tuesday, he accepted the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Yahya el-Gamal, after reformists said he should be removed.

He also pledged Monday to reshuffle his Cabinet within a week. But, that pledge drew a dismissive response from Cairo protesters who said it lacked guarantees and detail.

The military council expressed support for the prime minister Tuesday and reiterated its commitment to hand over power to a “legitimate civilian government” following parliamentary and presidential elections.