New documentary on Egyptian conscription faces strong criticism
An Al Jazeera documentary about Egypt’s military conscription was broadcast to a wave of protests from officials in Cairo.
Soldiers and stories about conscription in Egypt are an area that no one dares write about, much less make films about. But the Qatar-based Al Jazeera media company recently decided to address the issue of conscription in Egypt.
According to Article 3 of Law No. 127 (1980), military service in Egypt is mandatory for men ages 18 to 30. Conscripts spend a period of military service either in the Egyptian armed forces or in the police sector, and men of service age can't get a job or travel until after they have completed their military service.
On Nov. 20, Al Jazeera broadcast the teaser of a documentary on the issue. The clip sparked a wave of criticism and anger among media figures and journalists in Egypt. Outrage over the film's subject matter was exacerbated by its producer, a longtime critic of Egyptian policies.
The film shares soldiers' stories, including the difficulties they experienced during their service. It reveals that some never underwent military training and did personal work for military commanders.
