Reporters Without Borders Condemns Harassment of Journalists by Egyptian Ruling Regime

Reporters Without Borders Condemns Harassment of Journalists by Egyptian Ruling Regime

Reporters Without Borders condemn an increase in measures to monopolize news and information and suppress freedom of expression in the run-up to Egypt’s parliamentary polls scheduled for November 28. It criticized regulations issued at the beginning of November formed to restrict live TV broadcasts.

According to the latest communication and provisions from the Information Ministry, any media company wanting to broadcast live must obtain a permit from an official and pay US $5,000 (3,730 Euros). But the ministry did not identify the official, specify how long the permit would be valid, or explain how to renew it.

The intimidation of journalists covering the opposition campaign has been a major concern for the organization.

The government’s clamp down, harassment and intimidation of the Muslim Brotherhood ahead of the elections have affected journalists covering the opposition party’s election campaign. Journalists have been threatened by state security police after interviewing MB candidates.
Journalists report that they are repeatedly surrounded by uniformed men banning them from doing their work and many satellite TV broadcasters have received letters from the Ministry of Interior ordering them to do all their live broadcasting from studios in 6th of October City, a satellite city southeast of Cairo.