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MRN

The aspiration of the Media Review Network is to dispel the myths and stereotypes about Islam and Muslims and to foster bridges of understanding among the diverse people of our country. The Media Review Network believes that Muslim perspectives on issues impacting on South Africans are a prerequisite to a better appreciation of Islam.

Sa journo takes on Isaraeli authorities

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By Ilham Rawoot & Jazmin Acunna

(source: Mail & Guardian, pg16, 28/01/2011)

The only South African passenger on the Mavi Marmara, one of the Gaza-bound ships intercepted at sea by the Israelis in May last year, has laid a formal complaint with the national director of public prosecutions about her alleged suffering at the hands of the Israeli army.

If the National Prosecuting Authority acts on the complaint of Gadija Davids, a Cape Town-based journalist, top Israeli politicians and soldiers could face arrest if they visit South Africa.

This is the second attempt by locals in two weeks to call members of the Israeli executive to account in South Africa. Two local organisations called for the arrest of former Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni, who was due to arrive in the country last week. Her trip was cancelled at the last minute, although the South African Jewish Board of Deputies ascribed this to a strike by diplomats at the Israeli embassy.

Davids alleges that she was assaulted and that fellow passengers were subjected to inhumane treatment and torture after Israeli soldiers boarded the Mavi Marmara, which was carrying supplies to blockaded Gaza. She wants the perpetrators prosecuted. Nine Turkish nationals were killed in the raid. Israel said the killings occurred in self-defence and an Israeli inquiry found that the raid did not breach international law.

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Media release demonstration in support of the Egyptian uprising

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Issued by: Coalition for a Free Palestine, South African Municipal Workers Union, Palestine Solidarity Committee, Palestine Solidarity Alliance

30 January 2011

The heroic masses of Egypt have risen up against the decades-old corrupt dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak. Taking inspiration from the intifada in Tunisia, for six days, Egyptian protesters have been demanding that Mubarak be ejected from the office he has held for 30 years, demanding affordable prices for basic foods, and demanding jobs. Close to 200 protestors have been murdered by the security forces as they attempt to exercise their democratic rights.

As South Africans watch the unfolding36in the north of our continent, it reminds us too of our own uprisings: Sharpeville, Soweto, Langa… and spurs us on to express our solidarity with the people of Egypt and Tunisia who remain steadfast in their determination to rid themselves of corrupt and oppressive dictators.

International solidarity organisations, together with social movement activists, members of trade unions and Egyptians in South Africa have come together to celebrate the uprisings of the Egyptians and Tunisians and people’s power globally – whether in the Arab world or in Zimbabwe and Swaziland. We echo the calls of our people in the north of Africa who are demanding bread, jobs, dignity and democracy. Our anger is also directed at the tremendous support successive United States administrations have given to shore up dictators like Mubarak in the region and their collaboration with Israel and Israeli occupation.

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Press release Isaraeli effort to retain mubarak deplored

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Media Review Network is appalled that Israel is lobbying behind-the-scenes to undermine Egypt’s mass-based revolution.

A report in Haa’retz reveals that Israel is lobbying frantically to prevent the toppling of Hosni Mubarak, thus directly interfering with a core demand of the protesters. This attempt by the Netanyahu regime is deplorable and we therefore condemn it unreservedly.

Anti-Mubarak protesters aspire for a free, independent democratic Egypt. Many of their spokespersons, including former IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei have correctly argued against “cosmetic reforms” under the current dictatorship and demand that Mubarak has to go!

Revelations now about Israeli anxiety and underhand tactics to persuade the European Union, America and other countries to hang onto Mubarak is viewed by us as an affront against the masses of Egyptians.

We call on these countries and South Africa to adopt a clear, unambiguous position in line with the legitimate aspirations of the people. We also call on them to dismiss Israel’s despicable lobbying to retain Mubarak’s reign of terror. Egypt’s three decades of dictatorship and notorious emergency laws whereby fundamental liberties have been severely compromised, cannot be tolerated any longer. 

Iqbal Jassat                       

Chairman,

Media Review Network

Cell: 083 594 3749

E-mail: mrn_ij@telkomsa.net
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