National Press Club Urges Egypt to Bring Abusers of Journalists to Justice

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Feb 23, 2011, 12:40 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Press Club urged Egypt to bring to justice those responsible for abusing reporters in that country and to enshrine press freedom in its new constitution and other laws.

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In a letter Tuesday to Sameh Shoukry, the Egyptian ambassador to the United States, NPC President Mark Hamrick said the case of CBS News correspondent Lara Logan was one of dozens of brutal attacks in Egypt since last month.

"It is not acceptable to ignore these attacks and simply move on," Hamrick said. "As you know, similar concerns have been echoed by the Obama administration. So, we respectfully request that you provide us a credible assurance that concrete steps have been taken to find and punish those responsible."

Hamrick also urged Egypt to "build the foundations of a new democracy on the pillars of a free press and open government. Having these principles enshrined in law strengthens a democracy's foundation; but without them, a society cannot flourish."

The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists with more than 3,400 members worldwide representing every major news organization. More than 250,000 people visit the Club each year to attend more than 2,000 events. The Club was founded in 1908 and is on the web at press.org.

SOURCE National Press Club