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Press Release

Statement from the Management of Arab News Network (ANN)

Arab News Network (ANN) has been the victim of wilful acts of jamming and criminal piracy that resulted in disrupting the transmission of its programmes. The Broadcasting Service ceased on Saturday 9th May 2009.

ANN management has taken several steps to locate the source of jamming and to restore normal broadcasting service as soon as possible.

The Arqiva Company which provides the Satellite Service informed us that the jamming originated somewhere in the Middle East, then they told us that the jamming circle could also include North Africa. Arqiva promised to provide us with a final report giving details of the source within six days.
ANN management has swiftly proceeded to appoint an electronic search and detection agency to follow up the matter with Arqiva and the Eutelsat/European Hotbird management.

ANN management also instructed a British firm of lawyers to study the possibility of legally pursuing the perpetrators through the competent British and European Courts. At the same time, the ANN management has contacted the relevant British and European Authorities requesting that the perpetrators of such acts be sanctioned. We must stress that ANN operates as a UK Company under British Law and carry a License from OFCOM and complies fully with Ofcom rules and regulations.
It is worth noting that ANN had been the victim of similar criminal acts three months ago which disrupted its transmission through ArabSat (The Arab League Satellite Service) and NileSat. The perpetrators remain unknown.

ANN management hereby requests all Arab and International Media and Human Rights Organizations which defends freedom of expression and the principles of justice, peace and freedom to make a stand in the face of those who commit such cowardly criminal acts.

Finally the management of ANN declares its commitment to restore its normal service and to carry on with its mission in providing a broadcast service to its viewers as it has done since 1997.
It also confirm its commitment to defend the rights of all its employees,  and confirms its adherence to the Station political line in defending the just causes and the principles of justice, peace and freedom in the world.

 

Signed

The Management of ANN
14th May 09