Egypt: Authorities must immediately drop all charges against four independent female journalists from Mada Masr (statement)

Commenting on the opening of criminal investigations against the editor-in-chief and three female journalists from Mada Masr, one of the few remaining independent media platforms in Egypt, in relation to an article on alleged corruption, Philip Luther, Director of Research and Advocacy for the Middle East and North Africa Program at Amnesty International, said: For a pro-government party:

“This latest attack on female journalists who dared to deviate from the official narrative in Egypt exposes the gap between the Egyptian authorities’ declared commitment to human rights, including freedom of expression, and the grim reality. “The harassment of one of the few remaining independent media platforms in Egypt reinforces concerns about the ability of independent civil society actors and others to express their views without fear of reprisal at the upcoming UN climate change conference in Sharm El-Sheikh in November.”

“The authorities should immediately drop all false charges and close this politically motivated investigation against Mada Masr’s female journalists. It must also release all journalists who have been detained solely for carrying out their legitimate media work and exercising their right to freedom of expression; End all forms of censorship, harassment and intimidation against journalists; And abolish strict media laws that undermine press freedoms.”

On September 7, the Public Prosecution interrogated Mada Masr editor-in-chief Lina Atallah and three female journalists, Rana Mamdouh, Sarah Seif El-Din and Bisan Kassab, on charges of “publishing false news,” “slandering” members of the Mostaqbal Watan Party, and “deliberately disturbing them,” in addition to “creating a website.” Without a license” according to Lina Atallah. According to Mada Masr’s lawyer, the Public Prosecution asked the editor-in-chief to name the authors and editors of the article in question, as well as the platform’s journalistic sources, the organization’s working mechanism, and its funding sources.

The four journalists were released on bail, but they may face trial, a prison sentence of up to two years, and fines if they are convicted of the charges.

Egyptian authorities have increasingly tightened their control over the media in recent years by tightening internet censorship, raiding and shutting down independent media, and controlling content in public and private media.

In November 2019, security forces raided Mada Masr’s office in Cairo and briefly detained four journalists, including editor-in-chief Lina Atallah, in what appeared to be direct retaliation for publishing a report on the marginalization of Egyptian President Mahmoud al-Sisi’s son from a high intelligence position. Mada Masr website had sought to obtain a license since 2018 to no avail.

Since 2013, authorities have arbitrarily arrested, detained, prosecuted, and/or convicted journalists and other media workers simply for expressing critical opinions or carrying out their media work. At least 23 journalists remain behind bars, including six arrested over the past five months, simply for exercising their right to freedom of expression.
Amnesty International, September 9, 2022

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