JournalismPakistan.com | Published July 24, 2024 at 12:59 pm
Join our WhatsApp channel
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Egyptian authorities to immediately release Ashraf Omar, a cartoonist for the independent news outlet Al-Manassa, and Khaled Mamdouh, a reporter for news website Arabic Post.
"By arresting journalists Khaled Mamdouh and Ashraf Omar and subjecting them to enforced disappearance, the Egyptian regime has once again demonstrated its shameful commitment to targeting journalists and violating their basic human rights," said Yeganeh Rezaian, CPJ's interim Middle East and North Africa program coordinator, in Washington, D.C. "It is time to break Egypt's longstanding pattern and release Mamdouh and Omar, dropping all charges against them."
Egyptian security forces have systematically used enforced disappearance—characterized as a state-sponsored arrest or abduction followed by a lack of acknowledgment of the person's fate or whereabouts—to target journalists and human rights defenders, who are often mistreated prior to being presented for charges.
Security authorities arrested Omar early Monday morning at his apartment in the October Gardens neighborhood in Giza and took him to an unknown location.
Human rights lawyer Mahienour El-Massry told Al-Manassa that she went to the Sixth of October Police Station, but they denied his presence or arrest. Al-Manassa and the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate called on the public prosecutor to reveal Omar's whereabouts and any charges.
Security forces arrested Mamdouh at his home in Mokattam, a southern plateau in the capital, Cairo, on Tuesday, July 16, and confiscated his laptop. Security forces took Mamdouh to an undisclosed location, where he was forcibly disappeared for five days.
Security forces presented Mamdouh to prosecuting authorities on Sunday, where he was detained for 15 days pending investigation into charges of joining and funding a terrorist organization and spreading false news.
CPJ's email to the Egyptian Ministry of Interior requesting comment on Mamdouh and Omar's arrest and charges did not receive an immediate response.
Separately in June and July, the Egyptian Supreme State Security Prosecution repeatedly renewed the detention of freelance reporter Yasser Abu Al-Ela, pending an investigation into charges of joining a terrorist organization, committing a financing crime, and publishing false news.
Abu Al-Ela said at a June 15 meeting with the prosecution that during the 50 days of his enforced disappearance, he was subjected to "physical and psychological torture." His wife, Naglaa Fathi, was detained and charged after filing several complaints with Egyptian authorities after her husband disappeared.—A CPJ News Alert/Photo: Reuters
October 06, 2024: Explore how global crises are reported differently by various media outlets globally. This article dives into the media’s role in shaping perspectives, biases, and narratives on major world events.
September 25, 2024: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the Israeli forces' raid on Al Jazeera's office in Ramallah, which resulted in a 45-day closure and the obstruction of reporting during critical times. CPJ emphasizes the importance of allowing journalists to report freely, especially amid ongoing conflicts.
September 25, 2024: Journalist Hadi Al-Sayed, working with Al Mayadeen Media Network, was killed after an Israeli airstrike hit his home in southern Lebanon. He is the fourth journalist to be killed by Israel since October 7, raising global concerns over the safety of journalists in conflict zones. Press unions demand justice and accountability for the targeted attacks.
September 23, 2024: Explore the rising voices of independent media in Africa, their impact on democracy, and the challenges they face. Discover how these journalists are shaping narratives and empowering communities across the continent.
September 07, 2024: Explore the future of investigative journalism in Europe, examining the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. From digital transformation to press freedom issues, discover how investigative journalism is evolving and what lies ahead for the profession.
August 07, 2024: Mexican journalist Alejandro Martinez, known for covering crime in Celaya, was shot and killed by gunmen, with his two bodyguards wounded. Authorities are investigating the murder amidst ongoing drug cartel violence in Guanajuato.
August 01, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) strongly condemns the killing of journalists in Gaza by Israeli forces. The union calls for international action to protect media personnel and prevent future attacks.
July 31, 2024: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Israel to explain the killing of Al Jazeera Gaza correspondent Ismail Al Ghoul and camera operator Rami Al Refee in an Israeli airstrike west of Gaza City. CPJ condemns the targeting of journalists and seeks clarification from the Israeli Defense Forces.
October 12, 2024 A critical look at the increasing attacks on press freedom in Pakistan, from harassment of female journalists to violent assaults and unjust detentions. Despite condemnations, no action plan has been put in place to address these violations.
October 12, 2024 PFUJ strongly condemns adding journalists to NACTA's Schedule IV list, emphasizing that journalism is a profession and the fourth pillar of democracy, not a crime.
October 10, 2024 The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) strongly condemns the inclusion of senior journalists on NACTA's Schedule IV list and calls for the immediate release of Ehsan Naseem, arrested after interviewing Manzoor Pashteen. DigiMAP demands respect for press freedom and journalist rights.
October 09, 2024 Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists slams PEMRA for issuing notices to TV channels over Karachi attack coverage, calling it pressure tactics and demanding immediate withdrawal.
October 09, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul on bail after over two years of arbitrary detention. CPJ urges Jammu and Kashmir authorities to end the prosecution of Gul and allow media freedom in the region.