Egypt imposes travel restrictions on journalists
Reporters for state-run newspapers in Egypt will now have to get permission from the government to travel to certain countries.
CAIRO — Egypt's National Press Authority (NPA) recently issued a travel restriction that some in the news business consider a blessing, while others see it as a curse.
The move obliges reporters, editors-in-chief and board chairmen working for state-run newspapers to get NPA permission before heading to seven "restless" countries: Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Turkey, Sudan, Yemen and Libya. Before the mandate was issued, journalists needed only the approval of their editor-in-chief and board chairman to travel there for work. Journalists are still free to travel to these countries without formal approval on their own time.
On Jan. 6, NPA chief Karam Gabar said the restriction aims to protect journalists.
"Many countries [have taken] such procedures to secure journalists who cover news in turbulent areas," Gabr said at a press conference, adding that the decision targets those working for state-owned outlets, since they are considered spokespeople of the country. The rule doesn't apply to other journalists.
