Egyptian Media Close Websites To Protest Repressive New Constitution

Not so much protection for free speech in that document

A number of independent Egyptian news outlets shut down this week in protest of language in President Mohamed Morsi's draft constitution that poses a potential danger to free expression. About a dozen of Egypt's most prominent papers, including Al-Masry Al-Youm, Al-Tahrir, Al-Wafd, Al-Watan, Al-Youm Al-Sabae, Al-Fagr and Al-Ahrars took part in the strike on Tuesday. Several TV channels, including ONTV, Dream TV and CBC, ceased broadcasting on Wednesday.

The Egypt Independent showed the following message on their website as part of the strike: "You are reading this message because Egypt Independent objects to continued restrictions on media liberties, especially after hundreds of Egyptians gave their lives for freedom and dignity."