Cairo – 15 April 2016
A number of field reporters and photographers faced violations by Egyptian security forces today, according to Arab Media Freedom Monitor “Ikshef”.
The violations took place during the journalists’ coverage of today’s protests against Egypt’s Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi’s decision to handover two Egyptian islands to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Violations included arrests, assaults and temporary detention during covering protests in Cairo and other governorates. Moreover police prevented journalists and photographers completely form getting into Tahrir square.
Among the reporters and photographers Ikshef was able to confirm their exposure to attacks are Fouad Hussein photographer of Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper, and Mostafa Hassan and Rania Helmy of Misr Al-Arabiya website. Helmy’s camera was confiscated.
Tariq Wagih photographer of Al-Masry Al-Youm was detained in front of Istiqama mosque in Giza. Moreover, ONA news agency photographer Bakr Al-Sharqawi was detaied then released later.
Also, journalist Ahmed Baraa of Youm7 was arrested during a demonstration that started in Mostafa Mahmoud Square. Cameraman Ali Fahim was injured during his coverage of demonstrations in Giza Square. Additionally, some pro-government people attacked a number of journalists in Port Said and prevented them from filming. Some journalists were assaulted in Alexandria, too. Yesterday evening, police held Haitham Al-Sharqawi in Qasr Al-Nil police station. He was released today.
These systematic attacks and violations against reporters and photographers reflect the state of hostility of both the authorities and of some people against press; the desire to hide information and deprive people of independent coverage. Egyptian Journalists’ Syndicate said that it is opening its doors today for journalists –whether members or not – who are covering the protests. It also announced setting up an emergency room for complaints.
