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.
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.
The decision obliges press organizations to submit an application to the council explaining the duration and purpose of use of the pseudonym, in addition to the author’s real name and personal data.
The decision was added to a list of regulations issued in September 2019 by the council setting forth binding rules for all media and newspapers.
