The Cabinet’s Advisory Committee for Press and Media Legislation and the National Committee for the Formulation of Press and Media legislation, known as the Committee of 50, appear to be in conflict.
The first committee said that it has prepared draft laws complementary to the Constitution and handed them over to the government four months ago, while the second committee said it is still discussing the draft laws.
Makram Mohamed Ahmed, former chairman of the Journalists Syndicate and member of the Advisory Committee, said the draft laws are now with the Justice Ministry.
His colleague Safwat al-Alem said the Justice Minister asked the committee not to reveal any of its suggestions to the media. “We have no problem coordinating with the National Committee because we both have the same interests,” he said.
Diaa Rashwan, secretary general of the National Committee, said only the press and media community can devise its own laws.
His colleague Salah Eissa said he is not concerned about any disagreements with Cabinet’s committee. “Whatever it says is advisory and not binding to the Prime Minister,” he said.
National Committee member Karem Mahmoud said his committee was formed democratically by the Journalists Syndicate and the Supreme Press. “We will reject any attempt from the government or from individuals to impose laws that do not reflect our interests,” he said.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
