If Al Jazeera did not exist...
This is the complete text of DCMF's report on press freedom in Qatar. It is not good reading for those who claim there is freedom of the press in this country.
In 1996, Qatar launched the first Arabic-language
rolling-news satellite TV station, Al Jazeera, which
has revolutionised the regional media scene and stirred up
controversy, though it has not really changed the media
freedom situation in Qatar itself.
The national press, comprising seven Arabic and English language dailies, is still greatly affected by self-censorship, as in other Gulf states. This is complicated by the fact that most Qatari newspaper staff are foreigners whose residence permits very much depend on whether they obey the taboos imposed by the authorities.
Yet the same authorities defend the outspokenness of Al Jazeera, sometimes to the detriment of its diplomatic relations with other Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. This contradiction is seen most clearly in the boldness of Al Jazeera’s journalists concerning international affairs and the cautiousness they and journalists in other Qatari media outlets display when it comes to internal Qatari matters.
As the celebration in Doha of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2009 approaches, Qatari journalists are greatly hoping for legal reforms. It is also very important that Qatar, a current member of the United Nations Human Rights
Council, signs and ratifies the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, which is a key commitment to
human rights.
Risky profession
Journalism in this situation is like walking a tightrope, which encourages self-censorship and makes it dangerous to criticise the government. Reporting on living conditions or dismissal of foreign workers is also a problem. Written press journalists must tread carefully to avoid being sacked or even deported. They are beholden to their employer, who keeps their passport while they are in Qatar. Journalists are also vulnerable because Qatar has no association that can defend them before their employers or the authorities, since trade unions are strictly forbidden.
Economic journalists often face insurmountable reporting
obstacles. For example, it is usually impossible to check figures put out by local firms. “These journalists tend to protect themselves so they aren’t accused of harming
Qatar’s image as an attractive place for foreign investment,” said one, “so they just cut-and-paste material from government statements.”
Qatari legislation does not encourage a free media either.
The 1979 press and publications law has never been amended
despite the revolution in the local media scene, which
now includes a satellite TV station and Internet news sites.
Prohibitions in it are open to broad interpretation and the law gives substantial power to the authorities. The prime minister’s office can add to the list of prohibitions at any time by simply informing the media. Failure to obey these rules can get a media outlet shut down without any right of legal appeal.
The absence of a special court to handle media offences and staffed by judges familiar with how the media works also undermines journalists, who can be imprisoned for infractions that are often badly defined. Lack of media trade unions or associations makes it hard to know exactly how many journalists have been prosecuted.
Source: Doha Centre for Media Freedom
Well they're trying to help journalists, so their intentions are good. It just seems ironic they're based in a country that doesn't have freedom of media. Perhaps they should have given themselves a different name so it doesn't include Media Freedom bit.
From their website http://www.dohacentre.org
Welcome message
Continued fighting between countries, civil wars, violence by organised crime, corruption and terrorism… all show that the world doesn’t yet share "universal values".
Among the many victims are journalists, especially those who report to us about what’s really going on behind the scenes, or the other point of view, of people opposed to a government who dare to condemn its abuses and corruption.
The Doha Centre for Media Freedom was set up for these journalists, to provide them with shelter, help them assert their rights and give them a voice, whatever their origin, culture or views, as long as they do not call for violence or incite hatred.
The Centre is their home, defender and security, and gives them assistance, advice and refuge. It also pays tribute to those who have been killed or imprisoned in defending the right of everyone to be kept informed of the news.
By materially assisting persecuted journalists and media outlets, the Centre hopes to serve the cause of press freedom, without which a more humane world cannot be built.
Introduction
The Doha Centre for Media Freedom aims to be a refuge for those who risk their life or their freedom in trying to keep us informed.
It will shelter journalists who are threatened, provide care for the wounded among them and financially help media outlets and journalists who have been ill-treated by dictatorial authorities. This will be done in the heart of the the Arab-Muslim world. Solidarity is a universal principle that belongs in all cultures and all religions.
But the Centre is not just a refuge for media workers in danger and this sets it apart from other institutions. It tries to encourage dialogue and favours a constructive approach and practical achievements in a bid to reduce tensions between different parts of the world. The media have a special responsibility here. They can aggravate misunderstandings and stir up hatred or they can build bridges and promote greater understanding. Either way, they are key players.
The Centre is also a place of commemoration, and education too. Press freedom is indispensable for creating open and tolerant societies, so the fight to have impartial, good quality news and information is not just the job of journalists. The Doha Centre – through its events, meetings, exhibitions and, soon, a museum – will tell the story of the media and its heroes, in the hope that it will inspire people to become journalists and make everybody aware of the vital role of this basic freedom that is essential to the full flowering of all other freedoms.
The Centre needs you if it is to be a success.
They're not really saying anything we don't already know, but at least they've come out and said it.
It will be interesting to see if this makes it into the papers here tomorrow morning, or if they get censored again.