Egyptian newspapers go on strike

Independent and opposition newspapers accuse the president of clamping down on press freedom [EPA]

About 23 independent and opposition Egyptian newspapers have ceased publishing for the day in protest at what they say is a government crackdown on press freedoms.

It is the latest in a series of confrontations between the regime of Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, and the country’s media.

One newspaper editor faces charges of spreading rumours that the 79-year-old Mubarak is in poor health.

Another opposition newspaper editor and two journalists were also sentenced recently to two years in prison for allegedly publishing false news about the country’s judiciary.

In September, an Egyptian court sentenced four newspaper editors to one year in prison for defaming President Hosni Mubarak and his son, drawing condemnation from human rights groups.

Some critics say that the move represents an attempt to quash discussion about the so-called inheritance of the presidency.

So, is inheritance the keyword in the current stand-off and what will the outcome be?

Find out on Inside Story at 17:30 GMT.

Watch Part One here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwsK6uqyuHI

Watch Part Two here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxeoOXY7E7Y

This episode of Inside Story aired on Sunday 07 October 2007.

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