outcry about press freedom. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said it “deplores the government’s continuing violations of the fundamental freedoms that are guaranteed and protected in the new constitution.” And Human Rights Watch asserts that the authorities “have demonstrated almost zero tolerance for any form of dissent.” "} 6b:{"position":14,"content":"

The principle of press freedom must be cherished. However it is perhaps unsurprising, even if deplorable, that the Egyptian interim government, still struggling to assert itself against its overthrown opponents, is clamping down on those whom it believes are supporting its enemies. A problem for Al Jazeera is that, despite what it claims for itself in terms of editorial independence, there are some grounds for believing that the pro-Muslim Brotherhood political views of the Qatari government may have influenced the broadcaster.

"} 6c:{"position":15,"content":"

One positive aspect of a complex situation is that the trial is taking place within Egypt’s judicial structure, which is notably independent of government although, regrettably, trial by jury is not part of the system. Nevertheless, we can hope for a fair trial and a true verdict.

"} 6d:{"position":16,"content":"

The writer is the author of One Year in the History of Israel and Palestine (2011) and writes the blog “A Mid-East Journal” (www.a-mid-east-journal.blogspot.com)

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Al Jazeera and the Qatar squabble

Al Jazeera’s assertion of editorial independence has been challenged more than once.

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