Skip to main content

Egypt steps up crackdown on journalists as world celebrates press freedom

As the world celebrated World Press Freedom Day, journalists in Egypt were being subjected to an arrest campaign by Egyptian security forces, while the authorities banned the use of pseudonyms.
Egyptian riot police stand guard in Egypt's capital Cairo on September 27, 2019. - Egypt's President dismissed today a call for a second weekend of protests as "no reason for concern", with hundreds already arrested in an intensifying crackdown on a rare show of discontent on the streets. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)        (Photo credit should read KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)

UNESCO launched a global campaign this year called “Journalism without fear or favor” to celebrate journalists on World Press Freedom Day on May 3. But in Egypt, the celebration had a different taste with more restrictions inflicted on journalists.

On May 12, the Egyptian Supreme Council for Media Regulation banned journalists and contributors to any newspaper or website under its control from using a pseudonym without obtaining its written approval.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.