Egypt President Pardons Imprisoned Al Jazeera Reporters

By Darren Smith, Weekend Contributor

We have followed the plight of several reporters for the news medium Al Jazeera who were imprisoned and subjected to various appeals on behalf of the prosecution to ensure their place amongst the incarcerated, accused under dubious evidence of involvement with terrorist organizations and the crime of reporting of false information. The courts even went so far as to accuse them of doing the work of the devil. (HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE)

For over a year there has been much outcry in the world media and the public about the abuses against free speech, journalists, and citizens; especially focused it was on these reporters. Now, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi grants a pardon to these Al Jazeera reporters.

 

The reporters constituted many other civil rights activists and citizens recently jailed by the government of Egypt. Reportedly one hundred received a pardon in anticipation of the Eid al-Adha holiday. Additionally the timing of the pardon occurred the day prior to the president travelling to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly.

Internally in several circles of the government and members of society there was pressure undoubtedly to pursue the case against the journalists and others. It provided a form of justice in the minds of accusers, though it certainly was upon false and highly questionable means. President el-Sissi undoubtedly bowed to pressure on a political front and the timing of the pardon conveys a high probability this was a large factor in his decision to pardon these hundred individuals. But whatever the reason for those incarcerated and their families it is of little relevance or importance, for they are now free.  It is certain the experience will haunt them as it is whenever injustice is rendered.  For that reason, there was no justice.

By Darren Smith

Source: FOX News

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