Is Egypt tightening its grip on the media?
Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation is using new bylaws to block and fine a website it claims engaged in defamation, but journalists worry the media watchdog may be going too far to limit their freedom to work in the country.
CAIRO — Egypt’s top media regulator has wasted no time in using newly enacted bylaws to impose sanctions on a news site, yet critics claim the body is overstepping its role and limiting freedom of the press.
Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation issued March 21 a decision to block El-Mashhad news site for six months and impose a fine of 50,000 Egyptian pounds (nearly $2,900) for the insult and defamation of women involved in sex cases with a well-known director. The decision was based on regulations the council established in new bylaws approved March 18 concerning sanctions that may be imposed on entities subject to law No. 180 of 2018 that regulates the press, media and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation.
