A Shameful Blow To Press Freedom… Sisi’s Courts Order Mada Masr Shut Down And Fine Lina Atallah EGP 3 Million Following Her Detention

An Egyptian court has ordered the closure of independent news outlet Mada Masr and fined its editor-in-chief, Lina Atallah, 3 million Egyptian pounds (approximately $54,000). Security forces detained Attalah following a hearing that, according to her legal team, was marred by serious violations of due process. The court rejected requests to submit additional evidence and hear witness testimony, and appointed a lawyer to represent her despite the presence of eight defense attorneys.

The ruling stems from allegations that the outlet operated without a license, despite having repeatedly applied for one since 2018. After years of delays in processing those applications, the lack of a license has become the legal basis for shutting down one of Egypt’s most prominent independent news organizations and confiscating its equipment.

Under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the prosecution of journalists, blocking of news websites, and restrictions on media organizations have become instruments of control over public discourse. Laws and security agencies are increasingly used to suppress critical voices, while pro-government media outlets enjoy broad latitude to promote the authorities’ narrative.

The ruling against Mada Masr adds another chapter to Egypt’s record of repression, where journalists face consequences for exposing abuses and holding officials accountable, and freedom of expression is confined to boundaries set by the regime. Every independent news outlet silenced further erodes public scrutiny and accountability, depriving society of its fundamental right to information.