Freedom of Expression In Egypt and the Arab World Annual Report 2015 1 Book title: Annual Report on Freedom of Expression in Egypt and the Arab World, 2015 Publisher: Arabic Network for Human Rights Information 2 Behlar Passage, off Kasr El Nil Street, floor 5, flat 39, Downtown, Cairo Telephone/fax: 23904208 – 23964180 Website: www.anhri.net Email:
[email protected] Prepared by: Research and Documentation Unit, ANHRI Translation: Sally Sami Cover and Techical Preparation: Emad Ouf First Issue: Deposit No: Printing: All rights are reserved © to the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) 2 Overview There is a big problem with regards to how international organizations and bodies concerned with defending journalists monitor violations against them, as they are in need for a more inclusive definition for the journalists. Many are exposed to violations, sometimes grave, reaching the extent of killing, enforced disappearance, and imprisonment for doing work that would be considered journalism. Yet because of the very tight definition of journalists, these individuals are not considered to be amongst them. In our current reality, the internet has provided opportunities for people from across the world to communicate and interact. Individuals in different regions publish information, pictures, and videos on their personal accounts on social networks, their blogs, or websites. These opportunities have created journalists independent from any official relationships with press or media institutions in their country or abroad. What they publish, especially when they involve heightened conflict or exposure of criminal acts and violations committed by ruling authorities or individuals with influence or armed groups, exposes them to serious threats.