Egypt: Mada Masr's Publication Rights Suspended by Supreme Council for Media Regulation
Decision follows newsroom’s reporting on the Israel-Gaza war
Location: Egypt, Cairo
Date: October 29, 2023
In a concerning move, Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) has blocked the news website Mada Masr for a period of six months. The SCMR accuses the outlet of engaging in media activities without a license and publishing false news without proper source verification regarding its coverage of the Israel-Gaza war. The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with Mada Masr and its editor-in-chief, Lina Attalah. We strongly condemn the recent decision by the Egyptian government to block the operations of this vital media outlet and demand its immediate reinstatement.
The Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) in Egypt has announced the suspension of the independent news website Mada Masr for a duration of six months. The ruling was confirmed following a hearing involving Lina Attalah, the editor-in-chief of the renowned publication, amid allegations of conducting media operations unlawfully and disseminating news reports without adequate verification.
The clampdown on Mada Masr indicates a broader pattern of media suppression in Egypt. The news outlet has consistently highlighted sensitive topics, including human rights abuses, corruption, and government policies. Its coverage of the Israel-Gaza war has been particularly notable, providing nuanced analysis and coverage that often contrasts with the more controlled domestic media output.
The ban on Mada Masr's website, which remains accessible outside of Egypt, and the referral of the outlet to the prosecutor general's office is a clear attempt to stifle independent voices and control the narrative. It is a concerning display of the government's dedication to suppressing press freedom in the country.
The SCMR's investigation into Mada Masr was initiated following complaints that the outlet had published "inflammatory reports undermining Egypt's national security."
Referring to an October 11 report by Mada Masr, the SCMR cited the publication's speculation about Egypt potentially accepting Palestinian refugees escaping the Israeli attack on Gaza. The outlet had based its reporting on interviews with anonymous high-ranking Egyptian political and diplomatic sources.
Independent media outlets in Egypt have frequently faced harassment from the government, and Mada Masr is no exception. Currently, three journalists from the outlet are awaiting trial on charges of misusing social media and allegedly offending members of parliament. The court's ruling on this matter is still pending.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses unwavering support for Mada Masr and Lina Attalah. We view the government's ban on the outlet as a blatant attack on independent media and a violation of press freedom. We call on the authorities to stop harassing media outlets and journalists who are doing crucial work in covering the Israel-Gaza war. The SCMR must revoke its ban on Mada Masr and reverse its decision to refer the outlet for prosecution. Press freedom is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society, and it is crucial that the Egyptian government respects and upholds this right.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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