Egypt arrests prominent journalist after Al Jazeera interview
Mohamed Monir, 65, is charged with joining a terrorist group and spreading false news.
Egypt has arrested a prominent journalist who gave an interview to Qatari TV channel Al Jazeera, his family said in a statement.
Mohamed Monir, 65, was taken from his apartment in Sheikh Zayed by secret police early Monday, according to his family.
He was charged with joining a terrorist group, spreading false news and misusing social media, reported the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. He will reportedly be held in pre-trial detention for 15 days.
“Egyptian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release journalist Mohamed Monir and drop these baseless charges,” CPJ said. “Monir is already in failing health, and to detain him pending trial during a pandemic is exceptionally cruel.”
