The Egyptian parliament is set to discuss a bill on freedom of information, which has garnered support from 60 lawmakers. The bill's proponents, including Mohamed Fouad, head of the Al-Adl party's parliamentary group, believe it is essential to turn the constitutional right to access information into a practical reality. The constitution already enshrines this right, but it needs to be translated into a tangible law. Fouad emphasized that this support is a significant parliamentary signal.
The proposed law aims to strike a balance between transparency and exceptions related to national security, private life, and sensitive information. However, there is a risk that excessive exceptions could render the right to access information ineffective. Fouad stressed that the goal is to adopt a law that is applicable in practice, not just a statement of principle. The current approach often requires authorization for information disclosure, whereas the proposed law would make disclosure the norm and secrecy the exception.
To implement the principle of access to information, specific obligations must be established, including proactive publication of data, mandatory response deadlines, and designation of information access officers. Simple procedures for citizens and mechanisms for appeal and sanctions for unjustified refusal are also necessary. Without an enforcement mechanism, the right remains theoretical. National security is a legitimate exception, but it must be defined precisely and proportionately, with a demonstrated risk of harm to a protected interest.
The law can significantly improve journalists' access to official information, transforming their professional environment. Journalists should not have to rely on personal relationships or informal sources to obtain information. A clear legal framework would enable them to request documents and data officially, receive a response within a specified timeframe, and contest unjustified refusals. This is a priority for the Al-Adl party and the journalists' union.
In cases of administrative refusal, the refusal must be written and justified, with a clear indication of the legal provision invoked. The applicant should be able to exercise a rapid appeal before an independent authority and, if necessary, before the judiciary. The burden of justifying secrecy should lie with the administration, not the citizen. This would ensure that the right to access information is not undermined by bureaucratic hurdles.
The Al-Adl party has agreed with the journalists' union to prioritize the acceleration of the bill's examination. There is a growing awareness of the need to adopt this law, but it must be translated into concrete actions. The bill must be inscribed on the parliamentary agenda, and a clear legislative calendar must be established. This would enable a serious debate and ensure that the law is effective in practice.
The discussion of the freedom of information bill is part of a broader effort to promote transparency and accountability in Egypt. The bill's adoption would be a significant step towards ensuring that citizens have access to information and that the government is transparent in its actions. The outcome of the parliamentary debate will be closely watched by civil society and the media.
Key points
- The Egyptian parliament is set to discuss a freedom of information bill, with 60 lawmakers already voicing support.
- The proposed law aims to balance transparency with exceptions related to national security and private life.
- The law would improve journalists' access to official information, enabling them to request documents and data officially.
