"it is clear the judge's decision to give me a one-year jail sentence is political...it is no coincidence that i was sentenced at about the same time as the journalists and editors," abbas told ahram weekly. "the court had regularly adjourned the case since may, deciding to issue a ruling only on 21 september. prosecuting and sentencing journalists for publishing offences is all part of the government's general crack-down on civil liberties. the government feels threatened by the strikes, especially actions taken by the militant mehala al-kubra textile workers whose latest strike was settled last week. they need a scapegoat for their failed policies. this is why they closed down our offices, refuse to license us and continue to accuse the ctuws of inciting the strikes. the allegations are flattering but untrue. how could we possibly have incited the tens of thousands of workers who have gone on strike since december?" he said.