The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has today said that the press law in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) needs to be reformed to ensure press freedom. The call followed a judgement of the Federal High Court in Abu Dhabi, on Monday 29 June, which upheld the suspension of the Emarat Al Youm newspaper in a libel suit brought by race horses owners based in UAE. The judgment of the Federal High Court cannot be appealed.

"There is an urgent need for a progressive press law to promote genuine press freedom in the UAE," said Paco Audije, IFJ Deputy General Secretary. "Our colleagues face uphill struggle to overcome existing repressive laws which seek to protect the powerful against media scrutiny."

According to reports, the Federal High Court in Abu Dhabi confirmed the verdict of  the Appeal Court which ordered in November 2008 a 20 day suspension against the Emarat Al Youm and fined its editor-in-chief, Sami Al-Alraymi, Dh 20.000 (4.400 EUR).

The case concerned a report published by Al Emirate Al Yaoum in 2006 on doping of race horses at the Emirates-based Warsan Stables. The owners subsequently brought the lawsuit against the newspaper.

The IFJ continues to support leaders of the UAE Association of journalists, an IFJ affiliate, who have been campaigning for the reform of the press law in the country, including repealing provisions which authorise suspension of newspapers' licences.

The only remaining recourse is for the president of the UAE to intervene as he has the power to reverse the Federal High Court decisions under Article 145 of the penal code.

"There is now an opportunity for the president of UAE to stop this collective punishment from being implemented." added Audije. "This harsh decision is a reminder that the country is out of touch with international standards of press freedom."

For more information, contact + 32 2 235 22 07

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide