International PEN is deeply concerned about the continued repression of the freedom of expression of writers and journalists in the Francophone North African countries of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. While writers in Algeria continue to be arbitrarily detained for pursuing their work, freedom of expression for writers in Morocco and Tunisia is also being clamped down upon in the aftermath
of the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.
Although the political climates in which writers endeavour to carry out their work in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia differ from country to country, it is evident that in all three countries, initiatives have been launched in the name of anti-terrorism. The effect of these measures
is that dissenting voices are stifled.
PEN is also greatly concerned by the draconian measures taken against journalists such as Zouhair Yahyaoui in Tunisia in response to his exercising of his right to the freedom of expression on the internet. The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)
(organized under the auspices of the United Nations),
at which the use of the internet will be discussed, is due to take place in two phases. The first phase of the summit will take place this year in
Geneva from December 10-12 with the second in Tunis in 2005.
PEN invites everyone to join us in focusing attention on the plight of our
colleagues in Francophone North Africa from September 1 to 12, 2003 and to
seek progress for freedom of expression in:
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To read more and take action on cases in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia,
click on the country names above. |
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