CAIRO: Cairo-based Al-Karama newspaper, published by Al-Karama political group - functioning much as a party and referring to itself as one - has stirred up anger and debate as it published a series of features about the achievements of Moamar Al-Gaddafi, revolutionary leader of neighboring Libya. Al-Gaddafi, who has been in power for 37 years and shows no signs of being ready to leave office, is regarded by many as an eccentric individual. From shocking statements, politically incorrect comments about Middle East affairs to a rather distinctive manner of dress - often donning robes, thick glasses and a turban and wearing high heels - Al-Gaddafi has often turned heads and raised eyebrows at Arab summits and high-profile meetings. Nevertheless, Al-Karama (Dignity), a socialist, Nasserite party-like group, has chosen to sing his praises on the pages of their newly founded newspaper. The paper dedicated a full-fledged supplement to Libyan accomplishments, focusing on Al-Gaddafi s "legacy and featuring the headline 37 years of achievement. Al-Karama paper and party-to-be was founded by lower house MP Hamdein Sabahi and is renowned for advocating socialist ideas and denouncing internal government policies. One of its top members is Kefaya (Enough) movement co-founder Abdel-Halim Qandil. In its headlines, the Egyptian nationalist newspaper has often been a fierce critic of the ruling government for monopolizing the ruling position for more than 25 years. The newspaper has often accused the government of oppressing opposition and stamping out political diversity, to the point where the High Council for Journalism has questioned its conduct. Libya, being an extremely closed country closely controlled by Al-Gaddafi and his council, features no political diversity. Democracy is not appropriately endorsed. Political parties are constitutionally banned. Although civil societies and non-governmental organizations are permitted, their number is small, their activities are largely monitored and they are strictly required to follow national goals, outlined by the revolutionary committees. In short, the Libyan regime is considered highly authoritarian, leaving little, if no, space for the opposition to express its opinion freely. Laws practically criminalize peaceful exercises of expression. The media in Libya is mostly owned by the state. Censorship is systematic in the private media, which has very few outlets. Libya s foreign policies are waning; its relationship to the West is impaired and tarnished by recently-removed sanctions that had been placed on it by the United States. Human rights abuses have been reported by international human rights groups throughout the country. Arbitrary and secret detention, torture and death in custody have also occurred periodically. Unfair trials, particularly before People's Courts established in 1988, continue to be reported, said Amnesty International in its latest country report on Libya. Legislation remained in force that provides for the death penalty for activities which solely amount to the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and association. The New York-based Human Rights Watch also deemed the country abusive and published a report last week condemning Libya s conduct toward migrants and asylum seekers. The Libyan government subjects migrants, asylum seekers and refugees to serious human rights abuses, read the report, including beatings, arbitrary arrests and forced return. In June, the same human rights group had published a report about possible killings inside Tripoli s prisons. Stories began to filter out of Libya about a mass killing in Tripoli's Abu Salim prison . Libyan groups outside the country said up to 1,200 prisoners had died. Arguably, it is no surprise that political activists are shocked over Al-Karama s praise of the country. Some of Egypt's top political bloggers have even accused Al-Karama of taking funds from the neighboring Arab state. The matter is clear, no documents are needed . photographs or videos . the supplement was printed, distributed and sold. People have in their hands material evidence of [Al-Karama s] crime, wrote Wael Abbas, political writer, Kefaya member and owner of Misr Digital blogspot. Abbas added that there is no justification for their betrayal and receipt of funding. Another political blogger and activist, nicknamed Assad, said that such behavior from Al-Karama implies a double standard, where the group seems to fight an internal battle against what they deem a repressive government in Egypt while supporting yet another abusive regime in Libya. How could you swear that you will never allow succession of power from [Hosni] Mubarak to his son, while you politically campaign for the succession of Seif Al-Islam Al-Gaddafi [Al-Gaddafi s son]? asked Assad, under the title Pity Al-Karama. Al-Karama has been denied a party license by the Political Parties Court for several years. The group, however, has been allowed to publish a "partisan newspaper. They have also established an official headquarters, where they recruit members.
