Closure ordered for Mada Masr

A Cairo court ordered the closure of Mada Masr, an independent Egyptian news website, on October 27, citing that it operated without a license. The court also mandated the confiscation of the outlet’s assets, marking a significant escalation in pressure against the media organization.

Mada Masr’s struggle for a license

For years, Mada Masr has sought a license from the Egyptian government under President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi but faced repeated refusals. The website was established in 2013 during the Arab Spring, a period of widespread political uprisings across the Arab world, and has since focused on investigative reporting about the government and prison conditions.

International condemnation

One hundred thirty human rights and press freedom organizations have criticized the court’s decision, calling it an example of judicial harassment. They argue that the move is part of a broader effort by the Egyptian government to suppress independent media and limit freedom of expression.

Editor faces legal threats

Lina Atallah, the chief editor of Mada Masr, faces a possible one-year prison sentence if she continues the outlet’s operations. Despite the legal risks, she has vowed to keep the website active, emphasizing its role in providing critical journalism in Egypt.