Egyptian journalist arrested in Cairo

Egyptian journalist Lina Attalah was arrested in Cairo on Tuesday, October 27, while preparing to attend a conference in Marseille. She was detained following legal action against her media outlet, Mada Masr, which has been critical of the Egyptian government.

Legal charges against Mada Masr

A court in New Cairo ruled that Mada Masr had operated without the required license for an information website. The court imposed a fine of three million Egyptian pounds, ordered the closure of the media, and mandated the confiscation of its equipment. The media has been blocked in Egypt since 2017.

Arrest and detention details

Lina Attalah was taken into custody by security forces after the court hearing. According to her editorial team, she was held for about seven hours before being released after paying the fine. However, she learned during her detention that she had been sentenced to one year in prison in a separate case in 2024.

Reactions from international organizations

Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the legal action against Lina Attalah and Mada Masr. Sara Qudah of the CPJ warned that no independent journalist is safe in Egypt if authorities can imprison an editor-in-chief and shut down her media.

Impact on Marseille event

Lina Attalah was scheduled to speak at the New Averroes Meetings in Marseille about the challenges of maintaining independent journalism. Her arrest has added urgency to the event’s theme, “Cross / liberate,” which focuses on freedom and resistance. The event will address her situation despite her uncertain ability to attend.

Literary and cultural events in Marseille

The New Averroes Meetings also include a literary and cultural program. On October 28, Sabyl Ghoussoub will participate in a debate on storytelling, and on October 29, Wajdi Mouawad will present The Shadow That Writes, a performance about exile and writing. These events highlight the role of literature in exploring political and social issues.

Event schedule adjustments

Due to social movements and security concerns, some events at the New Averroes Meetings have been rescheduled or canceled. The masterclass Arab Springs, fifteen years later, which was to feature Lina Attalah, has been canceled. Organizers are informing ticket holders of the changes and offering refunds if needed.