Ramallah, 6 December 2011

Based on its belief in the need for unified action to promote freedom of expression in the Arab world, the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA), in cooperation with the Tunisian Center for Freedom of Expression and Media expert Yousef Ahmed, has initiated the establishment of the Arab Network for Freedom of Expression (ANFEX).

The announcement of the network’s establishment comes after a series of consultations and meetings held in Tunisia last week, which included the participation of the Libyan Observatory for Freedom of Expression and Yemeni journalist and human rights activist Abdul-Karim al-Khaiwani. In preparation for the network’s establishment, prior consultations were held with a number of Arab media institutions and journalists with plans made to recruit a number of organisations into the network to ensure its efficacy in achieving its mission objectives.

MADA General Director, Mousa Rimawi, stated that the network would focus on media freedoms in the Arab world, which are subject to widespread violations, and will work towards compiling clearly defined legislation protecting freedom of opinion and expression to be applied in new laws and constitutions. A number of Arab civil society and human rights institutions have suffered under the yoke of repressive regimes and struggled to grow over the years, and it is in this context that Mr Rimawi additionally pledged to share MADA’s experience and resources to assist in the capacity building of member institutions.

Mr Rimawi expressed his hope that media freedoms will see a significant improvement in the coming years after the catalytic events of the Arab Spring, and although the rising regimes in the region may again try to control or supress the media, the ANFEX network in conjunction with other civil society institutions could preserve the Arab revolutions’ gains and protect citizens rights to freedom of expression.

ANFEX Founders:

Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA)

Tunisian Center for Freedom of Expression

Libyan Observatory for Freedom of Expression

Media expert Yousef Ahmed

Journalist Abdul-Karim al-Khaiwani.