Press Release

During Visit, President Bush Should Discuss Lack of Democracy with Middle Eastern Leaders

Washington, D.C.January 7, 2008

While visiting the Middle East later this week, President Bush should call on leaders in the region to reform their media policies and release jailed journalists, Freedom House wrote today in a letter to the president.

The organization also encouraged the president to meet with human rights advocates while in the region, and to speak out in favor of increased religious freedom and women’s rights.

“This is the first time you will have visited most of these countries, and your presence there can have an enormous influence,” wrote Freedom House Executive Director Jennifer Windsor in the letter. “At a time when freedom is under attack worldwide, we hope that during your trip, you will continue speak for those who are striving for democracy in the Middle East.”