Platform for Press and Media Freedom… January 2026 Review
The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms launches its monthly bulletin on violations against the press, media professionals, and workers in the journalism sector, as well as restrictions imposed on media outlets. This bulletin highlights the most prominent violations in the journalistic and media fields throughout January 2026 and the pressures faced by professionals.
One recurring form of violation by the Egyptian judiciary is the practice of recycling journalists and media professionals under new cases, by filing new charges against them while they are already in detention, circumventing the law that limits pretrial detention to a maximum of two years.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Egyptian authorities repeatedly bypass legislation limiting pretrial detention to two years. In some cases, they impose conditions for release even after individuals have completed their legal sentences.
Last year, the head of the Journalists’ Syndicate reported that 15 journalists had exceeded the legally prescribed two-year pretrial detention, some of whom had been detained for more than five years. He submitted an official memorandum to the Public Prosecutor containing three key demands, the most prominent being the release of journalists referred to criminal trials, whether syndicate members or not, who had spent more than two years in pretrial detention.
The following are the most notable violations of press and media freedom documented by the Egyptian Commission for January 2026:
Decisions to Extend Detention:
3 January 2026: The First Terrorism Circuit of the Cairo Criminal Court, convening at the court annex within the Badr Correctional and Rehabilitation Center, postponed the trial of journalist Medhat Ramadan in case No. 680 of 2020 (Supreme State Security) and registered as 557 of 2025 (First Peace Criminal Court) to 15 March 2026, for the inclusion of evidence and completion of witness testimonies.
Ramadan was arrested at his family home in Menoufia Governorate on 28 May 2020 and remained missing for a month until he appeared before the Supreme State Security Prosecution on 27 June 2020. He was investigated for joining a terrorist group, publishing false news and statements, and misusing social media, and was placed in pretrial detention.
6 January 2026: The Supreme State Security Prosecution in New Cairo renewed the detention of journalist Safaa El-Kourbigi for 15 days pending investigation in case No. 7256 of 2025 (Supreme State Security).
She faces charges of joining a terrorist group, spreading false news, committing a terrorism financing crime, and using an online account to commit a crime.
El-Kourbigi was arrested at her home early on 6 October 2025, taken to a security facility, and later presented to the Supreme State Security Prosecution, which placed her in pretrial detention.
11 January 2026: The Supreme State Security Prosecution renewed detention for investigative journalist and researcher Ismail Al-Iskandrani for 15 days pending investigation in case No. 6469 of 2025 (Supreme State Security).
Al-Iskandrani was initially arrested on 24 September 2025 at a security checkpoint near Marsa Matrouh and later transferred to Cairo, where he was presented to the prosecution and detained. Charges included spreading false news, joining a terrorist group, and using a website to promote ideas advocating terrorism.
Al-Iskandrani had previously spent seven years in prison, with his case originating in November 2015 when he was arrested at Hurghada Airport returning from a conference in Berlin, Germany. Despite being granted release after one year of pretrial detention, the prosecution appealed, and in 2017 the case was transferred to military courts, where he was sentenced to ten years, later reduced to seven in October 2022.
19 January 2026: The Supreme State Security Prosecution renewed El-Kourbigi’s detention again for 15 days under the same case No. 7256 of 2025.
26 January 2026: The Supreme State Security Prosecution renewed Al-Iskandrani’s detention for another 15 days. His lawyers noted that his detention followed an arrest warrant linked to case No. 6469 of 2025, for the same charges of spreading false news, joining a terrorist group, and using a website to promote terrorist ideas.
Human rights organizations issued a joint statement noting that Al-Iskandrani was questioned over 18 posts on his personal account, which he acknowledged writing. They contained his opinions, not false news, and he is not affiliated with any political party, group, or organization.
The organizations emphasized that Al-Iskandrani had already spent seven full years in prison due to his research and journalistic work. His release in late 2022 should have marked the end of his ordeal, yet his detention represents a continuation of abusive policies. His deteriorating health and dependence on a respiratory device make continued detention a direct threat to his life, especially as he was deprived of the medical equipment necessary to operate it.
The statement stressed that arbitrary pretrial detention of journalists, researchers, and political opponents is not only a grave violation of individual rights but also undermines trust in any reform efforts aimed at ending politically motivated imprisonment. It perpetuates fear, self-censorship, and sends a message that expressing an opinion, even moderate and objective, can lead to imprisonment.
The organizations called for the immediate and unconditional release of Ismail Al-Iskandrani, the dropping of all charges, provision of urgent medical care, return of his respiratory device, an end to using pretrial detention as punishment for journalists and researchers, and serious transparent steps to reopen public spaces and protect the right to free expression without fear of detention, repression, or abuse.
Arrests of Journalists:
On 24 January 2026, the Freedoms Committee of the Journalists’ Syndicate expressed its full solidarity with journalist Faris Fouad, an editor at “Cairo 24,” who was arrested by security forces at his home the previous day.
In a statement on Saturday, the committee objected to the manner of his arrest at his residence, noting that he was accused of publishing false news. The committee emphasized that law and the constitution provide legal alternatives, beginning with the right of reply by sending a correction to the publishing site so that any error can be rectified. This process also includes summoning the journalist and notifying the syndicate, without resorting to arrest or detention.
The committee noted that the syndicate closely monitored legal procedures from the outset. The syndicate’s lawyer attended the investigation, requesting Fouad’s release under a residence guarantee or work guarantee. However, the authorities decided to detain him pending the outcome of security investigations.
The committee also confirmed its ongoing contact with relevant authorities to demand his release and submitted proof that Fouad is a trainee journalist performing his professional duties, which entitles him to the legal protections afforded to all journalists.
The Freedoms Committee reaffirmed its primary demand for his immediate release, stressing that arresting and detaining journalists over publication cases is not the proper way to handle journalism, especially since both the law and constitution prohibit imprisonment in publishing-related cases.
The committee called for the activation of legal safeguards for journalists, noting that free press is essential to national stability and remains a key partner in building the future and defending citizens’ rights. It emphasized that journalism should be supported, not treated as an adversary to be prosecuted.
Sit-ins and Protests:
On 12 January 2026, journalists and workers of “Al-Bawaba News” who were holding a sit-in reported that their peaceful protest inside the institution’s premises had been forcibly dispersed, an unprecedented incident that led them to relocate the sit-in to the Journalists’ Syndicate headquarters.
In an urgent statement, the journalists explained that around 8:00 PM, approximately nine “bodyguards” accompanied by the institution’s services manager forcibly stormed the sit-in while several colleagues had left to get food and drinks.
The statement noted that three colleagues were assaulted, one suffering visible scratches, and their mobile phones were confiscated to prevent documentation. The sit-in participants were forcibly removed, the premises were locked, and the seized phones handed over to administrative security personnel.
The journalists stressed that this constituted a forcible dispersal of a peaceful protest, in clear violation of legal, professional, and humanitarian standards. They emphasized their commitment to nonviolence throughout the 56-day sit-in.
The sit-in was moved to the Journalists’ Syndicate, considered their legitimate representative, and any party wishing to mediate or intervene was urged to coordinate with the syndicate. They rejected any alternative route that bypassed its role.
Low Wages of Journalists:
On 17 January 2026, temporary journalists at national press institutions mourned the passing of Ibrahim Hawash, a temporary worker at Al-Ahram, who died after many years of service without formal employment, health or social insurance, leaving his family suddenly without support or income.
In their statement, they noted: “Our colleague passed away while performing his duties in one of the country’s most prestigious national press institutions, after dedicating years of his life to national journalism, like hundreds of other temporary journalists, workers, and administrators who work without contracts, rights, or a minimum wage, in clear violation of the law and constitution.”
The statement added that his family received no compensation or entitlements due to his temporary status, forcing colleagues to collect personal donations to support the family—a painful situation unworthy of national institutions or a state that champions social justice and worker protection.
The statement raised a critical question: how many other temporary workers might face the same fate while awaiting long-delayed appointments, despite laws, protocols, and promises?
The temporary journalists emphasized that their issue is no longer merely administrative but a pressing human concern, affecting hundreds of Egyptian families who have worked for over 15 years without social or health protection or professional stability.
They issued an urgent appeal to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to intervene and end the suffering of temporary workers at national press institutions, expedite employment decisions (initiated in September 2024 via the National Authority interviews), and provide a legal and social protection framework for workers who have devoted their lives to national journalism.
They concluded that fair treatment of temporary workers is essential to protect lives before institutional reform and that national journalism can only recover by guaranteeing the basic rights of those who maintain its daily operations.
The statement ended: “May God have mercy on our late colleague, and may this incident serve as a final warning to save temporary workers before it’s too late.”
Decisions of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation:
On 1 January 2026, the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR), chaired by Engineer Khaled Abdel Aziz, received a complaint from Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper against the website “Najm Al-Gamahir” for republishing one of the newspaper’s articles dated 14 December 2025 without prior permission. The newspaper described this as a violation of its exclusive rights to the article.
The Council also received a complaint from Zamalek Sporting Club against a personal Facebook account carrying the name of a journalist, regarding posts the club described as offensive to its board of directors. The club attached screenshots of the posts and public reactions to its complaint.
The Council decided to refer both complaints to the Complaints Committee, headed by media professional Essam Al-Amir, Deputy Council Chair, for review and to take the necessary measures according to the governing regulations.
On 8 January 2026, the SCMR announced its continuous and careful monitoring of digital platforms, especially content concerning children, emphasizing its commitment to protecting them from any inappropriate exploitation and ensuring media entities comply with laws, professional standards, and ethical codes.
The Council explained that upon noticing a promotional advertisement for an episode of “The Blind Date Show” on the Bingecircle platform, which was unsuitable for children, it immediately contacted the platform director.
Following direct discussions, the platform director decided to permanently remove the episode from the platform and all its social media accounts shortly after its release.
In this context, the legal representative of Bingecircle was summoned to the SCMR headquarters on Thursday, 8 January, where he acknowledged full compliance with all Council decisions, recognizing the Council as the legally authorized body to regulate, monitor, and control broadcast, audio-visual, and digital media content.
The legal representative confirmed that Council decisions are legally binding for all platforms and media entities, pledging to immediately implement the Council’s directives, review content before broadcasting, refrain from featuring children in the program again, and ensure no future violations of child protection codes or professional standards.
The SCMR stressed that protecting children’s privacy and psychological well-being is a top priority, reiterating its previous directive that children with medical conditions should not appear in advertisements or media content without proper approvals, following standards set in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population.
The Council confirmed that it will continue monitoring digital content and take legal measures against any violations to safeguard societal values and children’s rights.
On 19 January 2026, the SCMR issued a decision to ban Captain Ahmed Hossam “Mido” from appearing on all media outlets subject to Media Regulation Law No. 180 of 2018, pending the outcome of an investigation. This followed statements he made that were deemed offensive and questioning the achievements of the Egyptian national football team from 2006 to 2010.
The Council stated that the remarks occurred during his appearance on a podcast hosted by Abu Al-Ma’ati Zaki on social media platforms, prompting the Council to take temporary action.
The decision was based on monitoring by the General Monitoring Department, recommendations from the Complaints Committee (headed by Essam Al-Amir), and the Sports Media Performance Committee (headed by Counselor Abdel-Salam Al-Naggar, Council member and Vice President of the State Council).
The Council noted that a hearing session for Ahmed Hossam Mido will be scheduled by the Complaints Committee to submit final recommendations to the SCMR regarding his media appearances.
On 22 January 2026, the SCMR confirmed its decision to require all media outlets governed by Law No. 180 of 2018 to ban Captain Ahmed Hossam Mido from appearing for two months. This followed statements deemed offensive and questioning the achievements of the national team during his 2006–2010 tenure, made on a podcast hosted by Abu Al-Ma’ati Zaki and broadcast on social media.
This decision was based on monitoring by the General Monitoring Department, recommendations from the Sports Media Performance Committee and the Complaints Committee, following a hearing with Mido, during which he presented his responses regarding the issue.
Decisions of the Media Professionals Syndicate:
On 21 January 2026, the Media Professionals Syndicate, headed by Dr. Tarek Saada, issued a number of unannounced regulatory decisions prohibiting individuals from appearing in media work without registration or a professional license. This step is part of the Syndicate’s ongoing efforts to regulate the media landscape in Egypt.
The Syndicate explained that these decisions followed monitoring by its media observatory, which found that some individuals were engaging in media activity without registering with the Syndicate or obtaining a professional license, constituting a clear violation of the Media Professionals Syndicate Law No. 93 of 2016.
The Syndicate emphasized that it had provided multiple opportunities for media outlets to regularize the status of their personnel, stressing the necessity of enforcing the law. It prohibited any person from practicing media work in the five main sectors—preparation, presentation, directing, reporting, and editing—across television, radio, official or private media, without registration or official authorization.
The Syndicate clarified that these measures aim to prevent intruders from practicing media, ensure professional standards, and restrict media practice to legally and professionally qualified journalists, thereby protecting both media workers’ rights and society from unprofessional practices.
According to Articles 88 and 89 of Law No. 93 of 2016, anyone practicing media work without registration or authorization may face criminal liability, including imprisonment, while media outlets allowing unregistered or unlicensed personnel may face disciplinary or criminal penalties, potentially including closure.
The Syndicate concluded by calling on all Egyptian media outlets—official, private, broadcast, radio, and digital—to fully comply with the law and prevent anyone from practicing media work in the five sectors without legal authorization, safeguarding the integrity of the profession and regulating media work in Egypt.
Demands for the Release of Prisoners of Conscience:
On 14 January 2026, members of the Committee for the Defense of Prisoners of Conscience submitted a memorandum to the Public Prosecutor, calling for the release of prisoners of conscience whose pretrial detention had exceeded the legal maximum of two years. They emphasized that re-arresting them on the same charges, known as “recycling”, is unlawful.
The memorandum stated that detaining or re-detaining a person on charges already investigated violates the constitution and law, describing “recycling” as void, given the clear legal alternatives to pretrial detention, including precautionary measures that must be applied before resorting to detention.
The committee clarified that pretrial detention is exceptional, not punitive, and called for the release of detainees or the application of legally prescribed precautionary measures. The law requires the Public Prosecutor to review detention files every three months, and detainees have the right to know the reasons for continued detention prior to trial.
The committee urged the Public Prosecutor to respond to these demands to prevent family breakdowns and support social cohesion, warning of the social and humanitarian consequences of prolonged pretrial detention.
On 14 January 2026, the Civil Democratic Movement condemned the serious abuse and violations suffered by Mohamed Adel in prison, describing the incident as part of a series of systematic violations in detention facilities and as disregard for law and human rights.
The Movement stated that what Mohamed Adel faced was not limited to physical assault or mistreatment, but extended to illegal detention, as he continued to be imprisoned despite completing his legal sentence—a clear violation of the law and constitution, amounting to arbitrary detention.
The Movement noted that this pattern has been repeated with other prisoners of conscience, including Dr. Yahya Hussein Abdel Hadi, former official spokesperson for the Civil Democratic Movement, who remains imprisoned despite completing his sentence.
The Movement emphasized that continuing to detain Mohamed Adel after his sentence and subjecting him to assault represents a dangerous pattern of extralegal punishment, using detention for political reprisal and score-settling, in clear violation of legal guarantees of personal freedom.
The Movement held authorities fully responsible for detaining Mohamed Adel without legal basis, ensuring his physical and psychological safety, and for all violations he suffered in prison. They demanded his immediate and unconditional release, an urgent independent investigation into the assault, accountability for those responsible, and an end to arbitrary detention and “case recycling” as tools to circumvent the law.
The Movement stressed that continued detention after sentence completion is a complete legal crime, undermining trust in the justice system, and reaffirmed its commitment to defend Mohamed Adel’s right to freedom, as well as all prisoners of conscience, without selective enforcement or retaliation.
On 24 January 2026, visual artist Naglaa Salama addressed her husband, economist Dr. Abdel Khaleq Farouk, expressing sadness that he spent his 69th birthday in prison. She posted:
“With each morning comes new hope and new pain. I can’t imagine another birthday, let alone Ramadan—may you spend Ramadan at home.”
In October 2025, lawyers reported that Cairo New District Court sentenced Dr. Abdel Khaleq Farouk to five years in prison from his second trial session, as documented by the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms.
Lawyers noted that Farouk was referred to court on 25 September 2025 without their prior knowledge in Case No. 4937 of 2024 (Supreme State Security), recorded as 4527 of 2025 (Cairo New District Misdemeanors).
Farouk faced charges of spreading false news domestically and abroad. During the session, the prosecution presented its case, while his defense requested to review case documents, which was officially recorded.
Lawyers revealed that the judgment was issued without defense arguments or review of the case files.
It is noted that security forces arrested Dr. Abdel Khaleq Farouk on 21 October 2024 from his home, searched the premises, and denied him access to his medication or personal belongings.
Reports and Legal Cases:
On 5 January 2026, the Economic Court set 8 February 2026 as the date for the first hearing of the compensation lawsuit filed by the defense of journalist Mayar El-Beblawi against Sheikh Mohamed Abu Bakr, demanding EGP 5.7 million in damages after he was found guilty of insult and defamation.
The Court of Cassation had previously rejected appeals from both Sheikh Mohamed Abu Bakr and Mayar El-Beblawi regarding the judgment that fined each of them EGP 20,000 in the case of mutual insult and defamation, making the ruling final and binding.
On 5 January 2026, the Administrative Court postponed hearings for cases No. 78753 and 78754 of Judicial Year 79, which requested the dismissal and removal of Mustafa Kamel, head of the Musicians Syndicate, to 3 March 2026, to allow proper notification of the parties involved, who include the Minister of Culture, the First Deputy of the Musicians Syndicate, and the Secretary-General of the Syndicate.
Previously, the Third Syndicates Chamber of the Administrative Court had canceled the Syndicate’s decision to prevent artist Haifa Wehbe from performing in Egypt, officially allowing her to resume concerts and ending the legal dispute over her artistic activity.
The court ruled that the Syndicate’s decision of 16 March 2025, which revoked Wehbe’s permits and banned her from holding concerts, was unlawful and violated the Constitution, particularly the provisions guaranteeing freedom of expression and artistic creativity. The judgment emphasized that freedom of artistic creativity is protected and may only be restricted by law and court order.
The lawsuit was filed by Haifa Wehbe, through her lawyer Sherif Hafez, against the Musicians Syndicate and Mustafa Kamel, demanding cancellation of the ban and suspension of its effects. The claim relied on Articles 65 and 67 of the Egyptian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and artistic creativity and prohibit censorship of artistic work except through judicial process.
On 7 January 2026, Dalia Abdel Rahim Ali filed a complaint against the editor-in-chief of Al-Bawaba News, several journalists, and members of the Journalists Syndicate council, accusing them of insult, defamation, and slander against her father on social media.
In her complaint, she stated that she was surprised by numerous journalists insulting her father, allegedly in response to protests by Al-Bawaba News staff over low salaries and their decision to stage a sit-in inside the office, demanding enforcement of the minimum wage.
On 8 January 2026, the defense of blogger “Suzy Al-Urduniya” paid her EGP 100,000 fine as a prerequisite for release, following a court ruling that reduced her prison sentence to 6 months instead of 1 year.
The Economic Court of Appeal had accepted her appeal against a one-year prison sentence and fine of EGP 100,000 for allegedly broadcasting videos violating public decency and misusing social media, ruling again for 6 months imprisonment.
Her defense had filed an appeal against the first-degree court ruling. In the previous session, the court had heard the prosecution’s arguments in Case No. 19 of 2025 Economic Misdemeanors, which accused her of posting content contrary to societal values, aimed at false fame and financial gain.
The prosecution demanded enforcement of the charges for general deterrence, warning of the dangers of such content on youth, children, and societal values.
On 8 January 2026, lawyer Rabee El-Khalaily filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor against director Maryam El-Bagoury, accusing her of violating privacy and publishing personal data without consent, after a citizen’s phone number appeared in a popular TV series.
The complaint, filed on behalf of Mahmoud Abdel Karim, stated that his phone number was displayed on television without his knowledge or consent, resulting in his wife receiving hundreds of calls day and night, causing severe psychological and family distress, marital disputes, and continuous disturbance.
The complaint cited Article 309 bis of the Penal Code and Article 25 of the Cybercrime Law No. 175 of 2018, which criminalize the publication of personal data without consent, and requested an urgent investigation and legal action against the accused.
On 11 January 2026, the Cairo Economic Court of Appeal postponed hearings in Afaf Shoaib’s compensation appeal against director Mohamed Sami to 9 February 2026.
Previously, the October Court of Appeal had accepted Mohamed Sami’s appeal against a fine of EGP 5,000, acquitting him of charges of insult, defamation, and slander against Afaf Shoaib on a TV program.
Her lawyer, Bassem El-Khawaja, requested that the court uphold the first-degree ruling and consider the damages suffered by the plaintiff, noting that the material element of the crime existed, as the defendant publicly called the plaintiff a “liar” during the TV interview.
On 20 January 2026, lawyer Sherif Hafez, legal advisor to Haifa Wehbe, revealed updates on her complaint against several social media accounts accused of posting fabricated videos and images using AI attributed to her.
The complaint was referred to the Economic and Money Laundering Prosecution, as the acts involved cybercrimes and AI-based content fabrication for defamation. Technical reports confirmed that all circulated videos and images were AI-manipulated, aimed at damaging Haifa Wehbe’s reputation.
Investigations are ongoing to trace sources, identify perpetrators, and monitor funding channels, with legal action pending against all involved. The complaint targets accounts on Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram accused of spreading fabricated and indecent content attributed to Haifa Wehbe.
On 20 January 2026, the legal advisor of Abdel Rahim Ali, founder of Al-Bawaba News and recently removed from the Journalists Syndicate registry, issued a statement clarifying the circumstances of this “mysterious decision”.
On 5 January 2026, Abdel Rahim Ali was surprised to see that Syndicate President Khaled El-Balshi announced via Facebook that the Syndicate council had unanimously removed him from the registry, citing Article 5(a) of Law No. 76 of 1970, claiming he owned shares in Al-Bawaba newspaper.
On 11 January 2026, Ali formally requested official copies of the removal decision, its legal basis, and the session minutes to exercise his constitutional right to be informed and to appeal the decision in court, but the Syndicate did not respond, prompting him to send a formal notice via bailiff.
The statement questioned whether the Syndicate president intended to negotiate after the defamation campaign against Ali and Al-Bawaba leadership or was planning to justify the removal with new reasons, emphasizing that only the Syndicate president can answer and that the concerned parties are awaiting a clear response to restore legal certainty.
