Egypt: WPF Demands Authorities Drop Charges Against Mada Masr Editor Lina Attalah and Halt Press Censorship
Mada Masr journalist interrogated for “publishing fake news”
Location: Egypt, CairoDate: February 20, 2024
Women Press Freedom stands in staunch opposition to the unwarranted charges against Lina Attalah, the editor-in-chief of the esteemed independent news outlet Mada Masr, and the broader efforts to censor and suppress the press in Egypt. On February 20, 2024, Attalah faced interrogation by Egyptian authorities for charges that starkly reflect the escalating climate of press censorship and repression in the country. These charges, alleging "publishing false news without checking its sources" and "running a website without a license," are both baseless and profoundly troubling, signaling an intensification of the government's crackdown on independent journalism. Women Press Freedom denounces the continued repression of Mada Masr journalists, and the banning of its content by the government. All charges against Attalah must be dropped. Mada Masr must be free to operate without persistent legal harassment and state censorship.
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On February 20, 2024, Lina Attalah was subjected to questioning by prosecutors for nearly two hours and is now facing charges of "publishing false news without checking its sources" and "running a website without a license."
Following the interrogation, she was released on bail amounting to 5000 Egyptian pounds (approximately $101), with her case currently pending further proceedings.
The charges stem from a report published by Mada Masr in October, suggesting Egypt's potential readiness to welcome Palestinian refugees displaced by Israeli airstrikes. Attalah's interrogation, initially slated for December, was deferred for reasons yet to be clarified.
Authorities summoned her again in February, just three days following the publication of an article by Mada Masr, highlighting businessman Ibrahim al-Argany's involvement in facilitating movements across the Egypt-Gaza Strip border.
Mada Masr stands out as one of the dwindling bastions of independent media in Egypt. Its journalists have become frequent targets of governmental reprisals due to their critical reporting. In October 2023, Egypt's Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) imposed a six-month ban on Mada Masr's website, alleging the dissemination of "inflammatory" content jeopardizing Egypt's national security. Despite persistent efforts since 2018, Mada Masr has been unable to obtain a website license.
In February 2023, three Mada Masr journalists were charged over an article alleging corruption within Egypt's ruling party. The party, loyal to President al-Sisi, denied the accusations, leading to a crackdown on the journalists.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the ongoing harassment faced by Mada Masr and Lina Attalah. The charges against them are evidently rooted in their commitment to independent journalism, particularly their coverage of Egypt's policies concerning Gaza. We call upon Egyptian authorities to drop all charges against Lina Attalah, rescind the ban imposed on Mada Masr's website, and uphold the principles of a free and independent press.
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