The
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today welcomed the decision of
King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz decision to cancel a Saudi Court sentence ordering a female
journalist to receive 60 lashes over a controversial sex broadcast. The IFJ
says laws in the country should now be reviewed to protect journalists.
A Saudi
Arabian court judgment had sentenced journalist Rozanna al-Yami to 60 lashes, a
two- year travel ban and ordered her not to work for unlicensed media agencies,
after she was involved in preparing a television show in which a Saudi man
publicly talked about sex on the Lebanese channel LBC, which is partly owned by
a member of the Saudi royal family.
Following
the King's decision to cancel the flogging sentence the case, along with another one involving a woman journalist, has been referred to the Ministry of Information.
"The
decision of Saudi Arabia
King to cancel the flogging punishment is a relief to everyone in journalism,"
said Aidan White, IFJ General
Secretary. "This has been a terrible ordeal for the journalist and no further
action should be taken against her. She has suffered enough."
This
case, says the IFJ, highlights the importance of a regional-wide campaign Breaking
the Chains in which IFJ affiliates across the Arab World are calling for
the repeal of criminal laws penalising journalists
and which highlights the arrest, imposition of disproportionate fines, and violence
against media professionals.
"Journalists
across the Arab World have been shocked by this case," said White. "They want
an end to all forms on intimidation. We urge Saudi Arabia authorities to take
concrete actions for a complete overhaul of the law to provide protection
for journalists operating in the country."
For more information
contact the IFJ at
+32 2 235 2207
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists
in 123 countries worldwide
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- IFJ Welcomes Saudi Withdrawal on Decision to Flog Female Journalist