Why Egypt banned its police from talking to the media
While Cairo argues new press restrictions will ensure journalists speak to informed sources, others fear the limitations will weaken police accountability.
In a move that critics say will “further undermine transparency,” Egypt’s parliament on Aug. 9 approved amendments to the police authority law that bar police officers — including those who are retired — from providing information to the media without prior authorization from the Interior Ministry.
The new restrictions require that police officers seek approval from the interior minister before publishing any documents, reports or photographs related to their work and are seen by some observers as “yet another attempt by the authorities to hide truths under a shroud of secrecy.”
“Strictly curating information from the state will exacerbate existing doubts about the integrity of the government,” Timothy Kaldas, a nonresident fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, was quoted as telling Al Jazeera on Aug. 9.
Police officers who violate the law could face unspecified prison terms and fines of up to 20,000 Egyptian pounds (roughly $2,250).
