Cartoons and Denmark aside, I have been deeply disturbed recently by the arrest of Chief Editors of the two weekly tabloids, Shihan and Al-Mihwar for re-publishing the cartoons (completely disregarding the context in which they were published).
I was reading Natasha's latest post on the issue, where she linked to the Jordan Times article covering it. What drew my attention in that article, besides the statement from the Centre for Defending Freedom of Journalists and the updates, was what the Jordanian Press Association is doing about it. Ironically, the Press Association has referred Momani and Khalidi to a disciplinary committee for publishing the cartoons, while at the same time objecting to their arrest by the authorities. Emad Abdul Rahman, a JPA council member, told the Jordan Times that "the editors cannot be punished twice. We have referred them to a disciplinary committee, therefore the government should leave the matter to us.” How more hypocritical can they get?? So basically while the JPA stands up against government intervention or punishment of journalists for something they publish, it retains this right for itself!!! And then they wonder why a national reform plan would call for abolishing compulsory membership in the Association?!!
While people would say it's no longer relevant to talk about the National Agenda, and while I keep asking myself "What went wrong with this great organized effort that brought together top intellect and vision??" I still ventured to take a look at the official website and to read through some of the chapters that interest me… in this case here, it was Chapter Four, on Political Development and Participation. Under the title "In the area of Press Freedom" the first point states:
"Jordanians have the right to own media outlets, as individuals or through institutions, associations, political parties, or private and public companies without any obstacles, and within the laws of specialized regulating bodies." (I'm not sure if it translates into "regulating" or "organizing", but either way…) is it just me or isn't that an oxymoron??
On to the article of interest, article 12 under the Press Freedom title calls for abolishing compulsory membership in the Jordanian Press Association, because that violates article 20 of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights, which states:
Just to give you an additional hint of why no journalist should have to be part of this association, and be subjected to its 'bylaws', here's more on what they're up to these days:
I was reading Natasha's latest post on the issue, where she linked to the Jordan Times article covering it. What drew my attention in that article, besides the statement from the Centre for Defending Freedom of Journalists and the updates, was what the Jordanian Press Association is doing about it. Ironically, the Press Association has referred Momani and Khalidi to a disciplinary committee for publishing the cartoons, while at the same time objecting to their arrest by the authorities. Emad Abdul Rahman, a JPA council member, told the Jordan Times that "the editors cannot be punished twice. We have referred them to a disciplinary committee, therefore the government should leave the matter to us.” How more hypocritical can they get?? So basically while the JPA stands up against government intervention or punishment of journalists for something they publish, it retains this right for itself!!! And then they wonder why a national reform plan would call for abolishing compulsory membership in the Association?!!
While people would say it's no longer relevant to talk about the National Agenda, and while I keep asking myself "What went wrong with this great organized effort that brought together top intellect and vision??" I still ventured to take a look at the official website and to read through some of the chapters that interest me… in this case here, it was Chapter Four, on Political Development and Participation. Under the title "In the area of Press Freedom" the first point states:
"Jordanians have the right to own media outlets, as individuals or through institutions, associations, political parties, or private and public companies without any obstacles, and within the laws of specialized regulating bodies." (I'm not sure if it translates into "regulating" or "organizing", but either way…) is it just me or isn't that an oxymoron??
On to the article of interest, article 12 under the Press Freedom title calls for abolishing compulsory membership in the Jordanian Press Association, because that violates article 20 of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights, which states:
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Just to give you an additional hint of why no journalist should have to be part of this association, and be subjected to its 'bylaws', here's more on what they're up to these days:
Officials from the Jordan Press Association (JPA) said they would meet next week to study claims that two other local newspapers, Al Ghad Arabic daily and the Star weekly, had published cartoons deemed offensive.
“We will look into this matter in our meeting next week and if it is true, we will take necessary measures according to our bylaws,” said Emad Abdul Rahman, a JPA council member.
It's almost 1:00 AM right now, and I'm just angry!! The more I think about it the angrier I get, so I think it's best to get some sleep instead…
Meanwhile, here are some very well-written related posts:
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