Egypt charges six fact-checking journalists with terrorism offences
Prosecutors say the staff of the platform Matsadaash worked for the banned Muslim Brotherhood. The outlet denies it, and lawyers say the journalists were tortured, which the Interior Ministry rejects.
Cairo — Egyptian prosecutors have accused six journalists from a fact-checking platform of terrorism offences, in a case that press freedom groups describe as part of a wider crackdown, Africanews reports.
The six work for Matsadaash, whose name means "Don't Believe It" in Arabic. The platform has operated since 2018 and examines statements made by officials and government bodies. The journalists were arrested on 28 and 29 September in raids across several governorates.
What prosecutors allege
Prosecutors announced on Thursday that the journalists are accused of working for the Muslim Brotherhood, which has been banned in Egypt since 2013. They say the group received monthly funding in foreign currencies from abroad and published material intended to "undermine confidence in state institutions". According to prosecutors, one defendant admitted posting "false news about state institutions".
A conviction on charges linked to the Brotherhood can carry a sentence of life imprisonment.
Denials and torture claims
Matsadaash and its co-founder Abdelrahman Mansour, who is based in New York, deny all the allegations.
The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), which represents the journalists, said they reported being tortured after their arrest. The Interior Ministry denies that.
Dozens of rights and press freedom organisations have condemned the arrests and called for the journalists to be released. According to the EIPR, Egypt is currently holding 26 journalists in connection with their work.
This report is based on reporting by Africanews. The charges have not been tested in court.
