Journalists Against Torture launch video claiming 674 violations in 2014

The Journalists against Torture Observatory launched a statistical video on Sunday documenting violations against press and media freedoms in 2014.

The NGO monitored 674 violations against journalists and media personnel on duty across the country, which were mentioned in the 10 minute video.

These violations reportedly included 179 cases where coverage was prevented, 173 arrests, 148 cases of physical abuse, 57 instances of verbal abuse, and other incidents in which equipment was confiscated or personal property destroyed. The observatory also documented one death.

There were 429 violations in Cairo alone, according to the video, followed by Giza with 67 cases, and Alexandria with 27.

The observatory asserted that 356 cases were inflicted by the Interior Ministry, 12 by the Armed Forces, 70 by officials, and 157 cases by civilians.

The video called for the immediate release of all incarcerated journalists pending investigation in cases that contradict the nature of the profession. The NGO also called for the formation of a fact-finding committee from the Press Syndicate and civil society organizations to monitor investigations into cases of violations against journalists.

Journalists Against Torture also recommended that the committee present legislative amendments to protect the rights of journalists, and that the syndicate take steps to ensure the safety of journalists while on the job.