Press release
Geneva – February 20, 2024
Cairo, February 20, 2024 – The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has expressed its concern and condemnation over the summons issued by the Cairo Appeals Prosecution to Lina Atallah, the editor-in-chief of Mada Masr, to appear for investigation in Case No. 22 of 2023.
According to Hassan al-Azhari, the website’s lawyer, Atallah was not informed of the charges against her. He anticipates that the charges may include “running a site without a license” and “spreading false news that would harm national security.” This development raises concerns about the potential curtailment of journalistic freedom.
The CFJ notes that this is not the first time Atallah has been summoned, as a similar incident occurred at the end of last November. The Journalists Syndicate’s lawyer had requested a session postponement, and the syndicate had urged Mada Masr officials to delay the investigation until December 6. However, the prosecution postponed the proceedings without specifying a new date.
CFJ condemns the arbitrary measures taken against Atallah and emphasizes that any attempt to influence or pressure the content published on the site blatantly violates the right to freedom of expression and opinion, as guaranteed by international conventions, laws, and covenants.
CFJ also expressed solidarity with Lina Atallah and strongly urged Egyptian authorities to refrain from employing the judiciary as a tool to settle political disputes and called on the Egyptian judiciary to maintain its independence and distance itself from political battles, emphasizing the importance of upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.
