Press Release
Release date: 23 December 2020

The Chartered Institute of Journalists, the world’s longest established professional association for journalists and only such body with a Royal Charter, urges the Egyptian government to give Al Jazeera journalist Mahmoud Hussein his freedom.

Wednesday 23rd December 2020 marks the fourth complete year of his detention without charge or trial in Egypt.

The Institute has been supporting the global campaign for his release alongside media rights groups, international institutions and lawyers with daily messages of support.

In a letter to the Egyptian Ambassador in London, Institute President Professor Tim Crook said: Whatever the nature of the politics and tensions between government and international television networks, we would respectfully plead with your government to put these aside and facilitate his release back to his family, friends and colleagues.

The very nature of a journalist’s job should never be considered as a crime or act requiring arbitrary punishment and, in particular, any length of imprisonment that has not been properly adjudicated by an independent judicial process.

He added: ‘At this time of year, all religions, cultures and nations coincidentally celebrate a spirit of forgiveness, goodwill, compassion and deep respect for our fellow human beings.  We would urge the Egyptian government to ensure that Mr Hussein regains his freedom during this season and period of spiritual generosity and magnanimity.’

An online feature about Mahmoud Hussein’s plight is available at the Institute’s online Journal: https://cioj.org/thejournal/the-campaign-to-free-al-jazeera-journalist-mahmoud-hussein/

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