Journalists in Egypt are organizing a protest in Cairo this weekend following the arrest and charging of six colleagues from the independent platform Matsadaash. The detained journalists face terrorism-related charges and accusations of producing false news for the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. Staff from the investigative and fact-checking outlet have alleged that those in custody were subjected to torture and forced confessions. Authorities have also claimed the platform was operating without a license.
Key facts
- Six journalists from the independent investigative platform Matsadaash were arrested last week.
- The detainees are charged with terrorism offences and disseminating false news for the Muslim Brotherhood.
- Colleagues allege that the journalists have been tortured and coerced into confessions during police detention.
- Egyptian authorities claim Matsadaash was operating without the necessary licensing.
- A protest is scheduled to take place in Cairo this weekend.
Why it matters
The arrests and allegations of torture represent a significant escalation in the Egyptian government's crackdown on independent investigative journalism and fact-checking platforms.
The Guardian
Source: The Guardian — World — Read original story