📌 Statement of Al-Shehab Human Rights Center Regarding the Escalation of Violations Against Journalists
Al-Shehab Human Rights Center expresses its deep concern over the continued assaults and violations against journalists in Egypt, which include arbitrary detention, prolonged pretrial detention, enforced disappearance, and mistreatment within places of detention, in addition to imposing strict restrictions on the freedom of media work and preventing independent coverage.
The center has observed that a number of journalists have been held in pretrial detention for periods exceeding the legally stipulated durations, in addition to the increasing use of anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws to restrict and pursue journalists based on their work or opinions.
Al-Shehab Center affirms that freedom of the press is not a political luxury, but an inherent right and a fundamental principle to ensure transparency and accountability, and that the continued crackdown on journalists is a serious setback for human rights.
Al-Shehab Center demands the following:
The immediate and unconditional release of all journalists detained due to their opinions or media work.
Cease the use of pretrial detention as a punishment, and ensure respect for the law and international standards for fair trials.
Protect journalists while they are on the field, and ensure a safe environment for freedom of expression and the free flow of information.
Amend restrictive legislation on the press in accordance with the state's international human rights obligations.
The center reiterates that protecting the press is protecting society and the citizens' right to know.
Al-Shehab Human Rights Center
Cairo — November 2025