Member of the Egyptian Journalists' Union council, Mahmoud Kamal, has stated that any calls for establishing a parallel entity to the union are an attack on the unity of the journalistic community. This comes after some individuals misinterpreted recent statements by the Minister of State for Information, Diaa Rashwan. Despite Rashwan's clarification that his comments were aimed at addressing issues faced by online media platforms, some continue to push for a separate entity.
Rashwan had initially called for online media platforms to form a unified entity to address their issues and speak with one voice. However, his comments were later clarified to ensure that they did not imply the creation of a parallel entity to the journalists' union. Kamal emphasized that the union's role and value are well understood by Rashwan, who previously served as the union's president for three terms.
Kamal expressed concern that some individuals, including Khaled Salah, head of the "July" website, have welcomed Rashwan's comments while ignoring the minister's clarification. Salah's statements appear to support the idea of a parallel entity, which Kamal argues undermines the union's authority and role. This development coincides with other calls for alternative entities, which Kamal believes threaten the unity of the journalistic community.
The Egyptian Journalists' Union has taken steps to address these challenges, including filing a complaint with the Public Prosecutor against a fake entity that has been impersonating the union. Kamal stressed that the union is committed to protecting its members and the profession, while also engaging in dialogue on how to extend protection to genuine practitioners.
The union's efforts aim to safeguard the profession and its practitioners without compromising the union's authority or the unity of the journalistic community. Kamal emphasized that the union is not just a name or a building, but a vital institution that represents journalists and defends their rights and the independence of the profession.
Any attempts to establish parallel entities, according to Kamal, pose a significant threat to the union's ability to address the challenges faced by the profession. The union's General Assembly, he stressed, remains the ultimate authority, capable of countering any attempts to undermine its unity and independence.
The Egyptian Journalists' Union has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its members and the profession, while maintaining its role as the primary representative of journalists in the country. The union's stance reflects its dedication to preserving the unity and integrity of the journalistic community.
Key points
- The Egyptian Journalists' Union has rejected calls for a parallel entity, citing concerns over unity and the role of the union.
- The union has taken steps to address challenges, including filing a complaint with the Public Prosecutor against a fake entity.
- The union's General Assembly remains the ultimate authority, capable of countering any attempts to undermine its unity and independence.
