Egypt charges six Matsda’sh journalists with links to Muslim Brotherhood

Egypt’s Public Prosecution has detailed charges against six journalists from the independent fact-checking platform Matsda’sh. Authorities allege the outlet is part of a Muslim Brotherhood media operation directed by leaders abroad to spread false reports, rumors, and fabricated stories intended to undermine state institutions and incite public anger.

The prosecution claims its investigation, initiated following information from the National Security Agency, led to the detention of the newsroom staff. While the prosecution cited a statement from one detained journalist admitting to membership in the group’s media committee, the platform and its staff have rejected claims of affiliation with the banned organization.

Representing the journalists, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) has alleged that the detainees were subjected to torture and mistreatment while in custody. According to EIPR, the journalists reported being blindfolded, bound, beaten, and subjected to electric shocks and threats. The NGO further claimed that officers forced the detainees to record fabricated confessions. One journalist, Mohamed Ashraf Abu Omeira, has been held for 15 days pending investigation on charges including joining a terrorist group and spreading false news.