Egypt authorities crack down on independent media outlets

Egyptian authorities have launched a significant crackdown on independent media, targeting prominent journalists and newsrooms. Lina Attalah, head of the outlet Mada Masr, faces a one-year prison sentence handed down in absentia and a fine of three million Egyptian pounds for operating without a license. Her defense team has described the legal proceedings as rushed.

In a separate incident, UN experts expressed deep concern regarding the alleged arrest and enforced disappearance of the entire six-person newsroom of the fact-checking platform Matsda2sh. The journalists were reportedly detained by security forces in late September and held for five days. While the Egyptian Ministry of Interior confirmed the arrests, the whereabouts and legal status of the staff remained unclear for a period, and they were allegedly denied access to lawyers.

Prosecutors have accused the Matsda2sh team of involvement in a plot to overthrow state institutions. However, legal advocates state that questioning has focused on editorial processes and sources. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have described the current wave of media restrictions as unprecedented.