Egypt’s latest wave of prosecutions against journalists has been described by Lina Attalah, the chief executive of the independent outlet Mada Masr, as an attempt to silence the country’s remaining vestiges of a free press. Attalah told AFP days before she faces a court hearing that could result in jail time.
Attalah’s warning comes as part of a broader pattern of pressure on media in Egypt, where authorities have increasingly targeted reporters and editors for their coverage. Mada Masr is one of the country’s most prominent independent news organisations, known for its investigative reporting and critical coverage of the government.
“Egypt’s latest prosecution of journalists attempts to ‘silence’ the last surviving vestiges of the free press,” Attalah said. The statement underscores the growing concern that the state’s legal actions are aimed at curbing dissenting voices and restricting independent journalism.
She is scheduled to appear in court shortly, where she could face imprisonment. The outcome of her case is expected to have a chilling effect on other journalists operating in the country.
The situation highlights the challenges facing press freedom in Egypt, where a history of restrictive media policies continues to shape the landscape for independent reporting.
<small>Source: Africanews — read the original story there.</small>
