The Arab media freedom monitor (Ikshef)
The period from 3 July 2013 to 3 July 2014
a year after the military coup on the elected authority in Egypt which occurred on 3 july 2013 .
the press lived its worse days across the whole Egyptian history including periods of foreign occupation , never to any authority whether national or foreign which committed so many abuses against the freedom of journlism , media and speech , that shows through this quick review for the most important stations of repression for freedom of opinion and speech
1-the killers and injured from the media over a year after the coup
through the period from 3 july 2013 till July 2014 : at least , 10 journalists and photographers were killed , including 4 in the masscare of Rabia Eladwya :
Ahmed Abdelgwad ( elakhabar)
Habiba Abdelaziz (Gulf news)
Mossab Elshami (Rassd news , R.N.N )
Mike Dean ( sky news ) and who were killed before as photojournalist Ahmed assem in the events of the the republican guard in 8 july 2013 and after that the killing of the journalist Tamer abdelraouf ( Al.ahram) in 19 july 2013 in one of the ambushes army , Mohammed AL.deeb ( the major of the association of artists of revolution ) in the deportations car of Abu Zaabal in 18 AUG 2013
Mohammed Helmy , Moustafa Aldouh in 25 Jan 2014 and Mayada Ashraf ( the journalist in Aldostor ) in 28 march
at the level of injuries more than 60 journalists and reporters were suffered direct hits whether shot or cartridge most of them from police forces and sometimes the Army in the ambushes curfew and more injuries were in the day of Rabia and Elnhada massacre where almost reaching 40 injury and the injuries numerous in the following Friday in 17 August 2013 , 6 octobr 2013 , 25 Jan 2014 and 14 April which saw the injured journalists Amr EL.Syed and Khaled Hussien who almost lost his life
2- 91 cases of imprisonment of members of the media since the coup and refractoriness up to the extent of deprivation , health care
this period saw an imprisonment of Egyptian and foreign journalists and members of media 25 of them were evacuated after spending periods of imprisonment reserves for many months without converting them to the courts and some of them without issues ( the journalist Samah Ibraheem was evacuated and Huzifa Sedeek during the writing of this report , but 66 remain in prison untill this moment )
and topped the list of detained journalists , the journalist Magdy Ahmed Hussien – Hani Salah Eldeen – Ibraheem Eldrawy – Ahmed Ezz eldeen – Mohsen Radi ……. etc
and also Mamdouh Alwaly ( the journalists synidicate and the chair man of the board directors Ahram ) was arrested and locked up reservers in Tora prison and this year saw the first rule for a journalist because of the performance of her duties , she was Samah Ibraheem who was ruled penalty of imprionment for 6 months , there was a clear instransigence of prison administration against detaines in the press , especially in the admission of medicines and food in the prison although their great need for this medecine as Magdy Hussien who suffers from disc prolapse and also some problems in the heart which should be in special care which he got in the prison before 25 Jan revolution , but he is lacking it today as monitor complaints of some of the journalists families from bad treatment and intransigence with them by the police during their visit of relatives after the coup as their suffering inside their prison because of their illness and the first of them or led by the journalist Ahmed Ezz the former director of ELshaab newspaper who exceeded sixty years who suffers from hypertension and narrow arteries and complains from unavailability of medicines inside the prison and it comes hardly from outside the prison through families visits , also the jouralist Ibrahem Eldrawy suffers from chest diseases and problems in eartilage which also applies on the journalist Ahmed Sobiea the director of the office of ALAqsa channel in cairo and also Khaled Abdelraouf Sahloub from Rassad network( R.N.N) still sufferes from the impact of breakage in his arm as a result of torture in prison who need special care to be healing of broken bones and these complaints revealed about their need to emergency surgery of special medical care or certain drugs because of some diseases which diagnosed inside their prison as result of solitary in unventilated confinement which the sun not enter it
or some of them have chronic diseases due to their age , in this context the information has revealed that the journalist Hani Salah Eldeen the editorial director at the site of youm 7 news has exposure to health risks that should require 3 surgeries , one of them in his eye , the other in his leg and the third is hernia . as previously for journalist Mohsen Radi (under secretary of the information committe in the previous parliment who was trapped in Tora prison
3- 600 violation of field of members of the media most of them from authority representatives
and the number of violations field which can monitor whether temporary detention or injuries or raids for homes or offices or prevent coverage or confiscation of imaging tools 520 violation ( with note that the occurence of dozens of similar violations which cannot be documented enough as the total number raises to or over 600 violation
600 violatiion field
10 dead
60 injured
66 prisoners
25 imprisonment different periods
4- the closing of 27 means of media
the closing or confiscation has occured after many raids and confiscation
examples are and according for succesive periods throughout the year
the police forces raided the offices of channels misr 25 , Elfatah , Alrahma , Alnas , Alshaab , Alhafez , Alkhaligya , Albdr and safa
and the police forces arrested the journalists , the workers and some guests in these channels and halted their broadcast and the broadcasting is still suspended so far
security forces raided the offices of Aljazeera channel and aljazeera mubasher misr and confiscated the broadcasting equipments , and cutting the channels broadcast and prevented the guests from completing their interventions
the police raided Al-eslam Alyoum site in Giza in order to arrest the director of the office ( the journalist khaled Al-sharif and other journalists )
the Egyptian police forces raided the headquarters of Alalam channel in cairo and detained the director of the office Ahmed Alsyoufi and confiscated a number of equipment and cameras
they also raided the office of Alquds channel in cairo and arrested one of workers and confiscated the office’s devices before closing it
Alexandria security forces raided the headquarters of radio misr – the voice of all Egyptians which is transmitted via the interenet
– the police raided the office of alaqsa channel and confiscated broadcasting equipment and closed the office – the police raided the office of Anatolian agency in cairo
and the office of Lebanese channel Almaydeen in Cairo and Amgad channel for the second time since the third of july interior ministry stopped printing Alhuria w Aladala (freedom and justice)
journal that the mouthpiece of freedom and justice party
the egyptian government stopped printing and distribuation AL-shaab newspaper which issued by the independence party
the police raided the office of Rassad and Yqeen news ( Y.N.N) in cairo
the police force raided the office of Alftah newspaper in ALmaady
sovereigns stopped printing the issue of ELwatn newspaper on thursday which headed by ( Magdy Algad)
because of only publication a report which including ( said that ) it was wrong about the financial disclosure for Abdel fatah AL sisi
and after printing 50000 coppies which stopped distribuation , and change the first page completing the edition of thursday morning
after changing the report of financial disclosure as some of workers canceled all the coppies inside the journal headquarter
Alexandria security forces and the forces from the military police and special forces who masked and carrying automatic weapons break into the studio which owned for Tram radio in Alexandria
AlAkhbar Alyoum organization stopped printing Alwaddy newspaper which edited by Khaled AlBashly the member of council journalists union according for security directives
– The Egyptian government closed 3 Iraqi channels which is transimited from the media produdioncity
5-closing of channels , newspapers and websites
14 channel work in Egypt or Egyptian channels
5 offices of Arab channels
3 newspapers
3 headquarters of websites
2 radios
and raid and embarge without closing for 6 media organization
-stopping of programs and serials and confiscation of opinion
– Ali Mubark ( the prime of Nile news channel ) decided to prevent the display of the documentary film which produced by channel entitled the third party arguing that film including many scenes of violence that prefer not to be seen by the public opinion
the duration ao the film is 45 minutes which discusses the violence in Egypt in last 3 years including Mohamed Mahmoud events , maspero and ALithadya
the film has alraedy been viewed on committe which approved it
T.V administration has stopped the broadcast of episode over the last program
* the head of Egyptian t.v Magdy Lachien decided to cancel Bsraha ( frankly) program for Gamal Al- shaier , on the second channel arguing that the program has lacked of commitment the used system in the structure of the programs as viewing the details of a seminar on the comittee viewer before 48 hours from its display on the screen and that for not reptition the guest on the t.v channels . others see that the real reason is hosting Hisham Geninah ( head of the central auditing agency)
the journlist Dina abd elrhman left c.b.c extra channel because of refusing the channel renewing her contract after her adoption of the issue of the rejection list of the low on demonstratios .
and also continued absenca for the journlist Reem magad who introduced Bladna blmsry program on ont.v channel claiming her objection on 3 July statement and her exdalmed in one of the programs the fall of military rule .
the head of channel Samier Salem decided to stop (we all one) kolna wahed because of an intervention of one of drama director who criticize the Egyptian
* Bassem youssef declared that his satirical program (ELbrnamg)
has stopped after being subjected to great pressure which made the continuation of the program is impossible thing .
* stopping Ahl Eskndrya ( alexandria folks) series for his writer Belal Fadl , the decision appeared after the meeting of the supreme committe for the Drama in the media productioncity which headed by Hassan Hamed , and the series has been exposured for critique attack arguing that the series presents a negative image of the police
6-Banning opponent opinion articles:
Some national and private newspapers banned publishing articles by a number of fixed writers like ( Mohammad Emarah, Helmy Al Quaood, Mohammad Mahsoub, Essam Al Eryan, Helmy AL Gazzar, Salah Abdul Kareem) .
Belal Fadl was banned from writing for an Al Shorouk newspaper starting from 2nd Feb, 2014, then they continued banning him.
Fahmy Howaidy’s articles were banned by AL Shorouk newspaper too starting from 2nd May,2014; though, he started writing again.
Mohammad Fathy was banned from writing for the Al Watan newspaper, his last article was on 29th April, 2014, with the title: “Support him, correct him or get doomed with him” , he was referring to General Abdul Fatah El Sisi.
On the 24th June 2014, the novelist Alaa Al Aswany announced from his twitter account that he stopped writing for Al Masry El Youm because” it is not allowed for more than one opinion, one thought, one speech, Criticism and different points of views aren’t welcome anymore; Only flattering is allowed even if it is against the truth”.
On the 3rd DEC, 2013, Al Shorok newspaper’s board of directors decided to end the contract with the writer Abdul Rahman Yousof and his Article ( Are you a revolutionist or a “Sawsan”?! ) Wasn’t published.
7- Banning opponents from showing on TV channels:
From day one after the coup, people in charge in ERTU (The Egyptian Radio and TV Union gave oral instructions to prevent interviewing any speakers supporting President Mohammad Morsy.
Actually, all leaders and political figures who support President Morsy and oppose the coup were prevented from showing on TV; Prevention also included sports figures who supported president Morsy in the elections.
On the other hand, News Department forced 20 military and security members to adopt a unilateral point of view to be permanent interviewees on TV channels starting from August 2013. Mubarak era’s permanent guests came back to the list of ERTU managers regarding current political and economic cases.
8-Preventing media figures from travelling.
On the 23rd May, 2014, Cairo Airport authorities prevented the international writer Fahmy Howaidy from travelling to Spain to take part in a scientific conference about the countries of the third world, Latin America and the Arab world. On the 19th April 2014, Magdy Ahmad Hussein the editor in chief of Al Shaab newspaper was prevented from travelling to Beirut to take part in one of the conferences, and it was repeated to prevent him from travelling to Turkey. Besides, tens of decisions to prevent arrested journalists or those who are charged with some political cases.
9- Firing, preventing and cancelling promotions for opponent journalists:
Some official and private media organizations decided to fire some journalists because their political situation from the 3rd July’s coup. For example; firing Wael Kandeel, the editorial manager at an Al Shorouk newspaper, and Mohammad Abo Zeid who works for the same newspaper. Ahmad Hasan Al Sharkawy, the vicar of Al Sharq El Awsat’s agency manager, was fired as well as Ahmad Saad the co-assistant of the editor in chief of Al Akhbar newspaper; Moreover, stopping promotions and prosecution at work.
10- Harassment during doing the job:
On the 4th June 2014 after declaring the committee of the presedential elections that General Abdul Fattah El Sisi won the election, crowds went to Tahrir square to celebrate the announcement. The two journalists, Ikram Mohammad and Soha Hosny from the website “Oyoun Masr” were covering the celebration when a group of people surrounded Ikram and her daughter to harass them and attack them. Also, they tried to harass Soha who asked the police protection. Soha reported the details of attacking her through her Facebook account and through a phone call to CBC channel.
11-Military trials for Journalists:
Military courts stated sending 6 journalists to the Prison. Statements were ranging between 6 months to 3 years. That was the biggest number of journalists to be taken to military courts in less than a year around past decades.
Military trials to 7 journalists: ))
| Date of statement | court | Statement | Name and place of work |
| 5/10/2013 | Ismailia | 6 months | Ahmad Abo Deraa ( El masry EL youm) |
| 29/10/2013 | North Cairo | A year | Hatim Abo El Nour ( Al Watan) |
| 3/11/2013 | Ismailia | 6 months | Mohammad Sabry ( Reuters agency) |
| 10/4/2014 | Nasr city | A year | Islam El Homosy ( Rassd) |
| 10/4/2014 | Nasr city | 3 years | Amr Farrag ( Rassd) |
| 10/4/2014 | Nasr city | 3 years | Amr Shaheen ( Rassd) |
| 10/4/2014 | Nasr city | Stated innocent after 5 months in jail | Amr El Kazaz ( Rassd) |
12- Civil, criminal cases against journalists:
We are in front of the biggest number of cases against jailed journalists in one year. So far, 60 journalists are arrested, where many others are charged with involvement in big cases that include a big number of writers, journalists, TV presenters and opinion leaders such as humiliating Judgement. Tharwat Hammad , the investigation judge assigned by the head of the Cairo Appeal Court decided to convert 20 public figures, including journalists and presenters to the criminal court charged with humiliating the judgement through mass communication on the 19th January 2014. On the 11th February 2014, the Journalist Tahany Ibraheem was converted to the criminal court with the charge of insulting the minister of Justice Adel Abdul Hameed, refuting his reputation and his financial situation. The Public prosecution alleged that she published an article with the title” Minister of Justice; Take off your sash” that she got from Hisham Geneina, that the minister of justice took money in an unfair way. Also, the minister wasted public money and he had financial corruption.
The Public prosecution interrogated her for 4 hours, then she was converted to the criminal court on 21st Feb, 2014.
AL Jazeera channel Case( Marriot Cell):
The case includes 20 charged person; 12 are journalists. They are all charged with broadcasting false declarations and fabricated images as well as joining a banned group ( Muslim Brotherhood) Security forces arrested 9 media characters on the 29th June, 2014. Also, they attacked a wing at Marriot hotel where Al Jazeera reporters done their job. Security forces, took all recordings and broadcasting machines. The Cairo criminal court stated 10 people 10 years in absentia. 7 people were sentenced 7 years presently. Also, Baer Mohammad was sentenced extra 3 years with 5000 pounds fine and tools confiscation.
Zaitoun Cell:
5 people are accused with cooperating with Al Jazeera. The police attacked a place on the Sandar street in the Zaitoun area on the 7th February 2014. They had arrested Hassan Ibraheem AL Banna and Mahmoud Gad, who is in the lock up reserves right now. Another 2 are accused in the case in absentia, they are Mossaab Nabil and Hothaifa Nabil. The police had confiscated many recording and montage tools.
Rabia Management case:
This case includes 13 Egyptian Journalist.
Communication with foreigner sides: Egyptian security forces arrested The Journalist Ibraheem Al Darawy after coming back from an external media mission. He was arrested after coming out of Rotana Masreya Studios on the 16th August 2013. He was included in the same case with president Morsy and they were accused of communicating with Hamas. Though Ibraheem AL Darawy provided to the prosecution a proof that he is a journalist specialized in the Palestinian affairs; so, it is normal to have relationships with Hamas and other parties. Also, he provided journal interviews with prominent Palestinian leaders, though, the prosecution insisted on adding him to the current case.
TV Broadcasting cars case:
This case includes the former media minister and the representative of Journalists Syndicate Salah Abdul Maqsood in absentia. The other accused person in this case is Engineer Amr Al Khafeef, the master of the broadcasting engineering at ERTU who was arrested on the 28th August 2013 and he is still arrested.
Considering Al Jazeera a terrorist channel:
One of the lawyers raised a claim in Cairo urgent cases who asked to consider Al Jazeera channel as a channel supports terrorism. The court refused the claim but the lawyer raised it again to the same court, the appeal request was rejected again by the same court on the 5th July 2014. Though, another lawyer raised the same claim to another court and it was accepted.
Sending 2 designers to the prison because they recorded demonstrations: On the 7th April 2014, Helwan misdemeanor court with the number 3203 for 2014. The court sentenced them 2 years and 5000 pounds as a fine as authorities considered the pictures they took as harmful for national security.
13- Financial prosecution for media figures:
On the economic level more than 140 journalists were fired, they were prevented from entering and they were attacked in front of the superior council for journalism by security forces in August after working there for more than 2 years for the Al Ahram newspaper. Also, 250 journalists from Parties and independent newspapers found themselves jobless after the coup and even after raising many claims to the presidency after El Sisi was inaugurated as a president. They have even provided many other claims to the journalism superior council, council of ministers and syndicate press.
