&c1=usa&c2=(none)&c3=Observer.co.uk&c4=Press+and+publishing,Media,Observer&c5=&c6=Tariq+Hassan-Gordon,+Egypt+News+Editor,+Middle+East+Times&c7=2001_04_28){kind=small}
- Observer.co.uk,
- Sunday April 29 2001
Egypt is a country of contradictions. Despite massive economic liberalization the state still maintains a tight grip on political activity and freedom of expression.
Every week the government censor reads our newspaper before it can be distributed.
Out of necessity the editorial staff must self-censor articles to ensure that the publication makes it to the newsstands and to subscribers without disruption.
We still push the boundaries, but taboo topics such as religion, sexuality, political violence and the presidential family must be treated with care.
The situation may soon change. Internet access is doubling every year in Egypt, which gives unprecedented access to everything from pornography to banned Islamic groups. At some stage the momentum will force the government to democratize its censorship laws, and we will be there to cover it.
The Middle East Times censored page
The man who doesn't do what he doesn't do - a Middle East Times interview with the censor
