BedTea.in | Ravi Matah's Blog

Foreign journalists were beaten with sticks and fists by pro-government mobs on the streets Cairo last Thursday and dozens were reported detained by security forces in what the U.S. called a concerted attempt to intimidate the press. They include journalists from India also who are working for various TV news channels and newspapers and have travelled in recent days to Egypt to cover the latest developments taking place there. It is learnt that more are planning a visit in coming days.

Indian Government has now issued an advisory on travel of Indian journalists to Egypt.

Egyptian regulations require foreign journalists to obtain accreditation with the State Information Service, a procedure which normally takes 2 to 3 weeks.

It is understood that around 3000 foreign and Egyptian correspondents are currently in Cairo to file / film stories and a number of them are WITHOUT SUITABLE accreditation. A number of journalists, including some Indian journalists, have got into trouble as a result.

Even though the resources of the Embassy of India Cairo, are under pressure, they have been extending assistance and facilitation to the Indian journalists. However to avoid being detained or being sent back by Egyptian authorities, it is requested that the following may please be borne in mind:

• Carry your identity card and or passport at all times. Keep a copy of your documents safely in the hotel room.

• Ensure that you have valid visa and equipment clearance* papers. (*Our Embassy in Cairo can help with equipment clearance provided at least 48 hour advance intimation is given with to them with complete details by fax + 202 2736 1972 or email: ambassador@indembcairo.com .)

• Carry sufficient amount of foreign currency of various denomination particularly in US dollars, as ATMs are working sporadically only and currency exchange counters are closed.

• In view of the extreme shortage of hotel accommodation please settle for anything suitable that is readily available. Please ensure that you have confirmed reservations before setting off for Cairo.

• Please take care of your personal safety while reporting.

• Embassy of India has set up a round the clock Control Room. Telephone numbers +202 2736 0556 or +202 2736 0052 or +202 2735 6168

• In case of EMERGENCY please contact Mr. Dinesh Setia on his mobile number + 2018 349 776.

Ravi Matah

Tags: Cairo, Journalists detained, Travel Advisory on Travel to Egypt

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 8th, 2011 at 7:32 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.