Egypt's attempts to prosecute journalists signal an effort to silence the nation's last remaining free press outlets, according to Lina Attalah, editor-in-chief of Mada Masr, who faces imprisonment. The recent detention of the entire staff of fact-checking platform Matsadaash and Mada Masr's closure order, alongside Attalah's reported one-year prison sentence in absentia, underscore a escalating campaign against independent media.
Attalah described the incidents as part of a concerted effort to shrink the already limited space for independent journalism in Egypt. She suggested that authorities perceive the suppression of media as a solution to the country's significant economic and political challenges, exacerbated by regional instability.
Egypt has faced persistent international criticism regarding its human rights record and has systematically curtailed avenues for dissent over the past decade. Attalah, a prominent journalist, is among 26 currently incarcerated. Her case has drawn strong condemnation from international bodies, including the European Union and members of the U.S. Congress.
Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, alongside 135 media groups, have characterized the current crackdown as unprecedented. Attalah expressed concern that the demise of remaining independent outlets leaves a void in rigorous reporting, potentially leading to widespread silence.
Previously, Attalah was fined three million Egyptian pounds (approximately $55,000) for operating Mada Masr without a license. She explained that despite attempts to comply with licensing regulations established in 2018, the process became a means of control rather than regulation. Her defense team alleged a rushed trial where a judge appointed her legal representation and dictated the defense statement.
Attalah recounted being detained from the courtroom, experiencing panic and fear during her seven-hour custody, expecting only a fine. Upon her release, after supporters crowdfunded the fine, she learned of the order to shut down Mada Masr. An appeal is scheduled for November 25. She was also informed of a separate one-year prison sentence issued in absentia for operating without a license and publishing false news, a charge frequently levied against journalists. A retrial for this case is set for Wednesday, where Attalah hopes for its dismissal, asserting that journalists should not face incarceration.
Founded in 2013 after the 2011 uprising, Mada Masr aimed to document Egypt's evolving landscape. Despite facing website blocks and closure orders, the outlet has cultivated a loyal readership and served as a platform for emerging journalists. Attalah emphasized the critical role of independent media in reporting on Egypt, particularly given its strategic regional importance and the perception of stability, which she argues should encompass political space for civil and human rights.
