Press release
Geneva – February 13, 2024
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has raised concerns over what it deems to be arbitrary measures taken by the management of the partisan newspaper “Al-Wafd” against Dr. Mohamed Adel, the head of its union committee.
According to Dr. Adel, the newspaper’s management unexpectedly withheld half of his January 2024 salary, a move he describes as arbitrary and linked to his active role in the union committee. Dr. Adel asserts that this deduction is part of a series of arbitrary actions against him, including the withdrawal of press sources and the filing of “malicious” complaints by administrators affiliated with the management of Al-Wafd newspaper.
The strained relationship between the newspaper’s management and its journalists has been further exacerbated by the failure to implement the minimum wage for over 18 months. Journalists are now calling for dismissing Dr. Ayman Mahsab, the chairman of Al-Wafd, citing mismanagement as the primary reason.
CFJ strongly condemns these arbitrary practices and stands in solidarity with Dr. Adel for his unwavering support of fellow journalists in their quest for fair treatment. The committee insists on immediately ceasing all measures taken against Dr. Adel and promptly paying his financial dues.
Moreover, CFJ is urging Al-Wafd’s management to comply with labor and minimum wage laws endorsed by the Egyptian government. The committee calls for the settlement of all outstanding payments to journalists and encourages open and constructive dialogue to address the broader issues facing the newspaper.