Egyptian authorities have charged one journalist from the independent investigative platform Matsadaash with alleged ties to a banned group, escalating a crackdown that saw the entire newsroom detained days earlier. The platform, known for its fact-checking work, faces accusations of operating without a license and spreading false information linked to the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, according to official statements. While one journalist now stands charged, the whereabouts of the remaining five staff members remain undisclosed, raising concerns among press freedom advocates. The case has drawn attention as part of a broader pattern of restrictions on media independence in the country.
Calls for release of six Matsadaash staff after one is charged, while whereabouts of other five remain unknownAn Egyptian journalist has been charged with joining a terrorist group, days after an entire newsroom was detained in what rights groups have said is a crackdown on press freedoms.Last week, authorities arrested six journalists from the independent fact-checking and investigative platform Matsadaash – literally meaning “don’t believe” – accusing them in a statement of being unlicensed and publishing false news on behalf of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. Continue reading...
