In Dubai, the United Arab Emirates was recently frowned apon for proposing its new media law. This law restricts free speech and strengthens self censorship among journalists. The rights group called “Human Rights Watch” are very afraid that the government will have too much control over media sources.
The government can charge fines of about $136,000, “for carrying misleading news that harms the national economy.” This draft media law can also charge media sources up to $1,350,000 for insulting a member of the government or someone else of power.
Despite criticisms this law passed in January of 2009 and is waiting approval from the president.
United States citizens are lucky to have the right to express their opinion in a publically printed newspaper. I am shocked at the fines the government is proposing to stop the journalists from expressing their true feelings. It must be incredibly frustrating to write in a paper where you can’t say what you really think. The only reason I could guess they are doing this is because Dubai is being built up so much and they only want positive attention on the new super city. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/04/13/ap/middleeast/main4940622.shtml
I did alittle more research into Dubai and found out that 15 million annual tourists are estimated to travel here by the year 2015. "Dubai will become the tourism and vacation ownership capital of the world in the years to come, as the numerous incredible projects, such as Dubailand, Bawadi and those by Emaar and Nakheel, continue to unfold before our eyes," This article also mentions how Dubai could lead in timeshare sales over Florida. I guess since Dubai is putting so much hope into the super city and expect the economy to sky rocket they want no bad media attention!
I find it ridiculous that people aren't allowed to say how they feel about the government. We live in a society where we decide who gets elected into positions in the government and if we feel someone isn't doing an adequate job we can voice our opinions to have them removed from office.
ReplyDeleteWhy should people have to hide their true feelings about the government when in fact their opinions matter the most. If citizens of a country aren't satisfied with their government and many people feel this way, obviously there is something that dserves immediate attention. Maybe this is why countries who limit free speech against the government tend to have so many problems within the country?
im surprised that this government, that has been highly influenced by Western democracy and has a lot of western business opportunities would impliment such laws that obviously go against democracy. i guess the saying is true, those with power will do any and all things possible to stay in power.
ReplyDeleteI think its awesome that you did your post on Dubai because its such an interesting place in the world today. So many things are going on there at record pace and it hasnt given the government enough time to change. Arab countries are not very open to change and to some extent would rather live in the past. But the government in Dubai is going to have to lift its media restrictions if it wants to have the success it desires.
ReplyDeleteYitz and Colleen- i think what you said is great. Dubai really interested me because it is being built up so much and so many people have huge expectations for this city. I think they are going to have to change laws to adapt to a more democratic style government.. They will have to do this to reach there goals of being the top of the most traveled list.
ReplyDeleteCory- I agree with your frustrations.. the people need to speak out and the government needs to listen about what the civilians want, need and think about whats going on in that particular country.. we are really fortunate to live in the USA where we have countless freedoms.