Udruženje novinara Atene podržava profesora Takija Alexioua

31.01.2006.

To: IFEX Autolist (other news of interest)

From: Greek Helsinki Monitor (GHM), office@greekhelsinki.gr

 

JOURNALISTS UNION OF ATHENS DAILY NEWSPAPERS (ESIEA) SUPPORT TO PROFESSOR TAKI ALEXIOU

(Greek original: http://www.esiea.gr/gr/2arxeio/2006/01/19.htm)

 

24th of January 2006

 

The Board of Directors of ESIEA joins its voice with every other democratic voice in order to express its support for Professor Taki Alexiou, who has been given a 25-month sentence by the court of First Instance in Rhodes, in spite of the Court Prosecutor's own request for his acquittal. His trial at the Court of Appeal is pending.

 

Professor Alexiou, founder of the Greek Rumi Committee, is condemned because this Committee is considered to be a "heresy" which poses a threat to the religion and national identity of the country. However, it is well known that the Greek Rumi Committee's goal is solely the study of the works of the great poet and philosopher Rumi.

 

The Board of Directors believes that the free articulation of one's ideas and thoughts is secured by the Constitution and by no means represents any kind of threat. On the contrary, it is an element that characterizes every democratic form of government.

 

The restriction of the freedom of expression and information can only lead to trouble for both democracy and civilians.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

**The information contained in this autolist item is the sole responsibility of GHM**

 

 

Povratak