Add to this the host of technical restrictions imposed on journalism and you will not wonder why most of what's written is either very meek criticism or public relations puffs. The Federation regretted the deteriorating conditions of journalism throughout the Arab world where journalists could be arrested, assaulted or have their work censored if they dare to have an impulse of their own. It added that such restrictions practically undermine the steps taken toward creating independent media, pluralistic societies and, above all, accountable governments. Unfortunately, the state of the press freedom has not seen any major improvement in the past few years. He added that the continued imposition of political, legal and administrative restriction on freedom of opinion and expression and freedom to issue papers in most Arab countries stymie the efforts of press freedom advocates.
Journalists also face a whole lot of threats while pursuing their functional tasks.
In addition to physical intimidation, many journalists caved in from conducting any serious investigative stories fearing that they could be chased by legal actions. Libel has also become a very mighty weapon used against muckrakers who attempt to expose corruption. In most cases, the fair comment defence didn't hold in court, thereby leading to a general state of dismay and fear. The Federation singled out the use of prison sentences to punish journalists as a 'threat to the future of Arab journalism and the future of democratic development in general. For instance, Egyptian opposition journalists Mohammed Abu Liwaya was sentenced to one month in prison and fined 7,500 pounds for libeling two senior press officials.