Yasmin Ahmed, Senior Regional Campaigns Manager at Amnesty International, has condemned the recent summons issued to Lina Attalah, editor-in-chief of the independent media platform Mada Masr. The directive requires Attalah to appear before Egypt’s High State Security Prosecution for questioning in a new criminal case. In a statement addressing these developments, Amnesty International characterized the move as a disgraceful continuation of state efforts to target Attalah due to her professional and courageous journalistic work.
The organization highlighted that this incident marks the sixth legal case brought against Mada Masr and its staff over the past six years. This recurring pattern serves as evidence of sustained harassment by Egyptian authorities against independent journalists who challenge the official state narrative. Attalah leads one of the few remaining independent media outlets in the country, yet she faces continuous investigations that Amnesty International argues should never have occurred.
The latest legal action stems from an article published on July 31, 2025, which examined deteriorating detention conditions at Badr 3 Prison. On August 4, 2025, authorities summoned Attalah to investigate allegations including “spreading false news” and “operating a website without a license.” She was subsequently released on bail pending further investigation. Five other criminal cases against Mada Masr personnel remain ongoing. Despite the outlet’s attempts to obtain a license since 2018, it remains unlicensed and blocked within Egypt.
This summons occurs amidst a broader crackdown on independent media and freedom of expression. It follows the arbitrary arrest of six journalists from the fact-checking platform Madatsadash just weeks prior; they remain in pre-trial detention. Amnesty International called for their immediate release, urging authorities to stop using baseless terrorism and disinformation charges to intimidate reporters.
Tensions escalated further following remarks by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during the Egypt Forum 2026 conference on October 3, 2026, where he claimed the government welcomes criticism. However, repression continued as journalists participated in a sit-in organized by the Journalists’ Syndicate in solidarity with the detained Madatsadash team. On October 5, 2026, journalist Rasha Azab was questioned regarding a social media post criticizing the Ministry of Interior. She faced terrorism-related charges from the High State Security Prosecution before being released on bail of 10,000 Egyptian pounds. The protest ended on October 19, 2026.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 18 journalists are currently imprisoned in Egypt. Hundreds of websites, including Mada Masr and various independent NGOs, remain blocked nationwide. Amnesty International reiterated its demand for the immediate cessation of all judicial harassment targeting Attalah and the Mada Masr team.
This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.
