Introduction
Independent and pluralistic media are generally regarded as one central pillar of a democratic society. The constitutions of all countries in the Arab region stipulate the right to freedom of expression. However, “security”, “national interests” (or the “national struggle” in the Palestinian case) remain a priority on the national agendas and provide a powerful instrument to justify the suspension of rights and violation of basic freedoms. Censorship, the harassment and intimidation of journalists are widespread and constrain freedom of expression in many Arab states – though the media landscape is quite uneven in the region and legislation varies considerably. Even if no “preventive censorship” (censorship before publication) is existing, prohibitive censorship (censorship after publication) and self-censorship is harming the freedom of expression. One of the dilemmas facing Arab media is a continuous conflict between the impulse to “seek more freedom and independence” and to “preserve the national interest”.