Al-Ahram, which is a state-run newspaper in Egypt, defended its decision to publish the image in an article with the headlines - 'The Road to Sharm El Sheikh', in reference to the Egyptian Red Sea, where the second round of the peace talk is hosted. The photograph received condemnation from Egyptian bloggers and activists as well as from the opposition 6 April Youth Movement, that criticized the newspaper for being 'unprofessional'. The original photograph is included below.
Al-Ahram's editor-in chief, Osama Saraya defended the decision to publish the photo claiming that it is just a representation of Egypt's leading role in the negotiations, after previously publishing the original photo on the first day the talk was held.
However, the decision did not go down well with the Egyptian media, especially the opponents of Mubarak, who took the opportunity to condemn the government of suppressing dissent and accused it to be a form of deception of the regime. Saraya responded by claiming that it is a plan to discredit Mubarak by making dubious accusations towards Al-Ahram. The newspaper has fallen victim of the current political turmoil when it is normal to alter image, which is even done by other newspapers.
In conclusion, with the advance technology made available to us today, the manipulation of digital graphics is easier, faster and harder to detect. Nonetheless, the digital manipulation code of ethics of the National Press Photographers Association has clearly stated that to alter the content of a photograph "in any way that deceives the public" is wrong. (Leach, 2005)
References:
bbc.co.uk, 15 September 2010, Egyptian newspaper under fire over altered photo, viewed 10 June 2011
guardian.co.uk, 17 September, 2010, Al-Ahram newspaper defends doctored photo of Hosni Mubarak, viewed 11 June 2011
The Christian Science Monitor 2009, Seeing is no longer believing, retrieved 12 June 2011, http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0202/p15s02-lire.html
