The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has reported on Sunday, April 13, 2025, a case of unjust dismissal faced by journalist Safaa El-Korbagy from her position at the “Radio and Television” magazine, part of “Maspero,” amid accusations that the dismissal was retaliatory due to her exposure of internal corruption within the institution.
El-Korbagy stated that she began working at the magazine in 2005 as an intern before being officially hired in 2010. She explained that she worked under the supervision of the late editor-in-chief Yasser Rizk until 2011, then under journalist Khaled Hanafi, whom she accused of bias against her and depriving her of financial dues. She claimed her earnings were limited to only her basic salary. She pointed out that incentives, bonuses, and other allowances were withheld despite what she described as her outstanding professional performance, prompting her to file a complaint against him with the Human Resources Department in 2020.
El-Korbagy added that the editor-in-chief filed a complaint against her in March 2022, alleging that she had been absent from work during January and February of the same year, leading to a decision by the legal department, headed by Ahmed Taha, to terminate her employment. She confirmed that the alleged absence was due to her arrest on April 21, 2021, following her publication of video clips exposing instances of corruption inside Maspero, noting that she remained detained until her release on February 7, 2024.
After her release from prison, the Human Resources Department informed her of the termination decision; Duaa El-Naggar, head of the Women’s Committee at the Journalists’ Syndicate, was present when the decision was handed over. El-Naggar noted the editor-in-chief’s hesitation in delivering the decision, raising questions about the true dimensions of the case.
In defending herself, El-Korbagy confirmed that she obtained an official document from the National Bank proving she had received her salary during the claimed period of absence. She also contacted the National Press Authority, which was led at the time by Hussein Zein, but to no avail. She mentioned that the Journalists’ Syndicate presented her case to the current president of the authority, Ahmed El-Moslemany, who indicated that her reinstatement would require a court ruling.
The CFJ expresses full solidarity with journalist Safaa El-Korbagy, affirming that the arbitrary dismissal and targeting she faced for exposing corruption constitute a blatant violation of journalists’ rights and press freedom.
The CFJ emphasizes the need to halt all unjust measures against El-Korbagy, ensure her immediate return to work, and provide her with necessary protection from any attempts of targeting or retaliation due to her opinions and professional practices.
The CFJ also calls on relevant authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into these incidents, warning of the dangers posed by the continuation of such practices aimed at silencing voices and restricting freedom of expression. The committee stresses that guaranteeing journalists’ rights and ending restrictions on them is a fundamental pillar for enhancing free and independent media, urging an end to policies that threaten the future of journalism in Egypt.