Workshop: Freedom of Expression Conference Report
Posted on
Alexandria, 29 September 2005—The Arab Reform Forum at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) is organizing a workshop to discuss the first draft of the report of the Freedom of Expression Conference, that was held in September 2004.
The workshop, contributing to Arab reform, discusses four main themes; "Freedom of Expression: Public Opinion and Communication Media", "Freedom of Thought and Creativity", "The Relationship between Laws, Legislations and Freedom of Expression", and "Freedom of Expression and Modern Communication Media: Internet – Property rights – Libraries".
A number of experts in promoting freedom of expression are participating, including: Mr. El Sayed Yassin, Center for Political and Strategic Studies at Al Ahram newspaper; Mr. Ossama Al Ghazali Harb, Editor-in-Chief of the International Politics Magazine at Al Ahram; Mr. Hassan Hamed, former Director of the Radio and Television Union; Dr. Sohair Wastawy, Head of the Library Services Sector at the BA; and Mr. Ali Abu Shady, First Director of Ministry of Culture.
The Freedom of Expression conference, held at the BA last year, boosted people’s awareness of their needs, and encouraged them to work to achieve the changes necessary to revive their country. It shed light on several topics, such as: "African Countries: Customs and Traditions", "Media and Freedom of Expression", "Censorship in Arab Countries: Past and Present" and "Libraries and Freedom of Expression".