The hostility toward independent and opposition media and critical voices at large has become alarming and the mechanisms of repression of free expression, either subtle or blatant, are being used by political and religious leaders, law enforcement and the judiciary.

In most of the region, those who dare to express a dissenting opinion, investigate government failures or wrongdoings, challenge untenable policies and call for reforms, face charges of criminal defamation, blasphemy or endangering national security and are regularly sentenced to hefty fines and imprisonment.

Against this background, WAN applauds the determination of the independent press throughout the Arab world to play its critical role despite continuing pressures, hardships, threats and sanctions of all kinds. The commitment of publishers, journalists, bloggers and freedom of expression advocates to carry on and challenge those who try to silence them is outstanding.

The Board of WAN appeals to the governments of North Africa, the Middle East and the Persian Gulf that breach the right to freedom of expression to put an end to repressive policies and practices, release all imprisoned journalists, bloggers and freedom of expression advocates and work in favour of an environment in which media, independent of governmental, political or economic control, can develop.