The UN has called on Egypt to release six detained journalists and end what it describes as growing attacks on independent media….reports Africa Daily News Desk
The United Nations has expressed concern over what it described as widening attacks on press freedom by Egyptian authorities, calling for an immediate end to the targeting, harassment and persecution of independent journalists.
Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said journalists must be allowed to carry out their work without intimidation or reprisals, warning that recent developments in Egypt raised serious concerns about freedom of expression.
Six journalists from the fact-checking website Matsadash remain in detention, according to the UN. They have been identified as Mohamed Ashraf Abu Emeira, Abdallah Qadry, Islam Barakat, Omar Helal, Mohamed Mahmoud and Mohamed Adel, who together constitute the entire newsroom of the platform.
Their lawyers have reported that the journalists were subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment while in custody and were forced to record fabricated confessions.
The UN called on Egyptian authorities to release all six journalists and drop charges linked to their legitimate journalistic activities.
Mada Masr editor faces further legal proceedings
The UN also raised concerns over continuing judicial proceedings against Lina Attalah, chief editor of independent online news outlet Mada Masr.
Attalah was convicted by an Egyptian court last month of operating an unlicensed website. She was detained and subsequently released after paying a fine, while the court also ordered the closure of the news platform.
She is due to appear at another hearing this week in a separate case dating back to 2024. The UN said the proceedings raised further concerns about due process and the right to a fair trial, including obstacles to appealing court decisions.
Al-Kheetan called on Egypt to end all forms of harassment targeting journalists and media organisations and to uphold freedom of expression, including the right to access information.
He also stressed that, pending their release, the detained Matsadash journalists must be given confidential access to lawyers, contact with their families, necessary healthcare and medication, as well as humane conditions of detention.
The UN further called for prompt investigations into all allegations of torture, ill-treatment and forced confessions, with those responsible held accountable.
It also urged Egyptian authorities to reverse measures taken against Matsadash and Mada Masr that prevent the outlets from continuing their journalistic work.
The spokesperson stressed that people in Egypt have the right to access information and hear different views on matters of legitimate public interest.
