Responding to the news that the New Cairo Misdemeanours court today convicted editor in chief Lina Attalah on charges of operating an unlicenced website, ordering the shutdown of prominent independent outlet Mada Masr and taking her into police custody pending payment of the maximum penalty of three million EGP fine (54,467 USD) Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Regional Impact, Yasmine Ahmed, said:
Today’s decision represents a crushing blow to press freedom in Egypt and marks a dark day for independent journalism in the country.
Yasmine Ahmed, Amnesty International
“Today’s decision represents a crushing blow to press freedom in Egypt and marks a dark day for independent journalism in the country. By imposing a 3 million EGP fine, ordering the closure of Mada Masr and the seizure of its property, and detaining Lina Atallah until payment is made, the Egyptian authorities are sending a clear and ruthless message: critical, independent reporting will not be tolerated.
“This draconian ruling is the culmination of years of relentless harassment and unjust proceedings designed to shut down one of the country’s last remaining independent media voices. Lina Atallah should never have been prosecuted for exercising her right to freedom of expression and doing her journalistic job. The Egyptian authorities must immediately overturn this outrageous verdict, halt the forced closure of Mada Masr, and end the systematic persecution of journalists.
“Mada is one of the most fearless and staunchly independent media outlets in the country, and they have continued to report professionally and operate in full transparency. The media outlet has repeatedly attempted to apply for a licence since the new media law was passed in 2018, but the authorities have continuously denied or failed to respond to their application.
“The speed with which the investigation and trial were scheduled and the judge’s refusal to adjourn today’s session to give defence lawyers a
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