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Calls for a boycott of ‘martinis on the Nile’
The outrage that followed the jail sentences handed out to Australian journalist Peter Greste and two of his Al Jazeera news colleagues is gathering intensity around the world.
The three were accused of associating with the Muslim Brotherhood.
BBC staff held a silent protest in London, while angry Australians have taken to the website of the Egyptian consulate in Sydney to protest Greste’s seven-year sentence, warning of a tourism backlash.
One post read: "A country is judged on its treatment of women; its religious tolerance and the independence of its judiciary.
"Egypt fails on all counts."
Former government minister Peter Reith, writing for Fairfax News, said Australians should stop going to Egypt.
"Apart from anything else, the security situation in Egypt is only going to get worse as the government killings (an Egyptian court recently confirmed death sentences for 183 Muslim Brotherhood supporters) promote retaliation from ever more barbaric extremists.
"So Aussies should not go to Egypt because it’s not safe. The tourist industry is one of Egypt’s few sources of income," Reith wrote.
"By not going, Australians can also make it known that while the Egyptians keep Peter Greste languishing in jail, Australians will not be sipping martinis on boats down the Nile."
Youth operator Contiki recently announced that it would resume trips to Egypt from September, following a five month gap, and sister brands Trafalgar and premium brand Insight Vacations would follow from the start of next year.
Parent company The Travel Corporation said it was returning to Egypt as a "strong showing of support for the Egyptian people".
Uniworld, also owned by The Travel Corporation, plans to resume cruises on the Nile in September 2015.
At the time of the announcement, Travel Corporation CEO Bret Tollman said: "Guest safety is the utmost priority and so we will maintain constant dialogue with colleagues in the region ahead of our planned re-commencement dates."
The company said it had seen pent up demand for the destination.
Whether that demand is sustained after the Al Jazeera verdicts is now very much in doubt.
by Ian Jarrett
Ian Jarrett
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