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Court orders Egyptian website closed in case seen as test for independent media
The court imposed the maximum fine and ordered equipment seized, as rights groups called the case a broader crackdown on independent journalism.
- On Tuesday, the New Cairo Misdemeanor Court convicted Mada Masr editor-in-chief Lina Attalah of operating an unlicensed website, imposing a 3 million EGP fine and ordering the outlet to shut down. Attalah was taken into custody pending payment.
- Mada Masr has repeatedly attempted to obtain an official license from the Supreme Council for Media Regulation since 2018, but authorities have consistently denied or ignored applications. The outlet has faced six criminal investigations over six years.
- Defense lawyers reported the court denied requests to submit documents or summon witnesses, with journalists excluded from critical proceedings. A group of 119 rights organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Committee to Protect Journalists, called the case an "unprecedented attack on press freedom."
- Amnesty International's Yasmine Ahmed, Senior Director for Regional Impact, called the verdict a "crushing blow to press freedom." U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen stated the charges were baseless, saying "journalism is not a crime." Authorities maintain media must operate within the law.
- The conviction coincides with last month's arrest of the entire Matsadaash newsroom and follows a broader crackdown on independent journalism. With at least 18 journalists currently imprisoned in Egypt, the ruling marks a significant escalation against the country's remaining independent media voices.
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29 Articles
29 Articles
An Egyptian court has ordered the closure of the independent news website Mada Masr. Editor-in-Chief Attalah has been sentenced to a high fine. Reporter without borders speaks of an "unbelievable decision".
·Hamburg, Germany
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A court in Cairo has closed the news page »Mada Masr«. Editor-in-chief Lina Attalah is in custody. Human rights organisations are now fearing a precedent for further measures against free media.
·Hamburg, Germany
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Egypt detains journalist Lina Attalah after court ruling
Egyptian journalist Lina Attalah, editor-in-chief of the country's leading independent news outlet Mada Masr, was detained by security forces after being fined in a swift trial on Tuesday, the publication said.
·Pointe-Noire, Congo (the)
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For human rights groups it is 'dangerous escalation against press freedom' (ANSA)
·Rome, Italy
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources29
Leaning Left8Leaning Right3Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Left, 42% Center
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left, 42% of the sources are Center
42% Center
L 42%
C 42%
R 16%
Factuality
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