The Myth of the ‘Fourth Estate’
freedom. Silent solidarity events were organised and statements were released at all levels to support my just cause. But all these efforts were dashed at the regime’s rock - the real authority, the ‘first estate’. Here, we should all ask: How about journalists fighting on their own? What about those facing all kinds of threats single-handedly? While in detention, I looked around and saw such a fellow journalist. He would ask for any inferior job within the facility just to be able to stay outside his cell for an extra hour or two. Others without such a skill, resorted to sleeping to pass the crawling time. The sacrifices offered by journalists, mainly by those behind bars, are indescribable. No one can imagine how painful or understand how difficult such a reality is until they experience it themselves. Questions would swoop down to devour my brain: How could the free world remain silent while a journalist is detained without a fair trial? How could a journalist face all these threats simply for doing his duty? The whole world witnesses how some governments attempt to muzzle journalists and how the Israeli occupation forces levelled to the ground the tower housing international media in the Gaza Strip. But no one lifted a finger. There were only pointless statements of condemnation.
The Myth of the ‘Fourth Estate’ Mahmoud Hussein | Producer, Al Jazeera News Channel
To speak of a tragedy is one thing, but to live it is something else altogether. For the 1,400 days I spent in a dark cell without charges or trial in Egypt, I struggled to grasp the heaviest moment: when the thick metal door closed on me. It was as cruel as the heartless warden who behaved without mercy. Throughout my entire arbitrary and illegal four-year detention period, this question kept echoing in my mind: “Is there anybody else feeling the pain and
agony I am going through every second?” I found comfort in telling myself: “No doubt my fellow journalists are.” Journalists share the same fate as they venture out into the field risking their lives in conflict zones or political circles alike. They are faced with hardships beyond description; from harassment to assault; and from unlawful detention to assassination.
All of this raises the question: Is journalism really the ‘fourth estate’? Does this ‘fourth estate’ have the power to protect us, the journalists, and allow us to operate safely and freely? I had my entire organisation behind me; supporting and defending my freedom. Al Jazeera did not leave a stone unturned until I had been released. From day one, it was pleading with the international community before the Egyptian authorities for my
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