The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF) releases its monthly bulletin on violations against the press, media, and professionals working in the journalistic and media sectors, as well as the restrictions imposed on media outlets. In this issue, the Commission documents the most prominent violations witnessed in the journalistic and media sphere throughout September 2025, along with the pressures faced by workers in the field.
Although the Egyptian Constitution guarantees numerous protections for press and media freedom, these constitutional guarantees have no tangible presence in reality. A formidable arsenal of laws restricts the work of journalists and media professionals and obstructs the principle of access to and circulation of information. The Penal Code continues to include provisions that impose custodial sentences on journalists, in addition to the absence of a law guaranteeing the right to access information.
Article 70 of the Egyptian Constitution affirms the freedom of the press and media and the right of individuals to own and issue newspapers and media outlets, which may be established by simple notification.
However, Law No. 180 of 2018, known as the Media Regulation Law and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation Law, has restricted these constitutional rights. According to its Article 6, no electronic websites may be established or operated in Egypt, nor may offices or branches of websites operating from outside the country be managed, except after obtaining a license from the Supreme Council for Media Regulation.
Furthermore, authorities continue to impose blocking and censorship on the internet, targeting both local Egyptian and Arab websites, often accompanied by charges of “spreading false news” under Article 188 of the Penal Code, which accuses journalists of disturbing public peace and disseminating false information.
Several independent media websites have been blocked since 2017. Article 3 of Law No. 180 of 2018 stipulates that “it is prohibited, in any form, to impose censorship on Egyptian newspapers and media outlets, or to confiscate, suspend, or close them. Exceptionally, limited censorship may be imposed during times of war or general mobilization. In such cases, the Supreme Council may issue a decision to seize printed copies of newspapers, or delete or block the material violating censorship instructions if published on an electronic newspaper or website, or stop its rebroadcast on a media outlet. Concerned parties may appeal such decisions before the Administrative Court.”
The Media Regulation Law granted the Supreme Council for Media Regulation the authority to block websites, blogs, and social media accounts—making it the third body authorized to issue blocking decisions, alongside investigative and law enforcement authorities, which were granted the same power under the Cybercrime Law.
These blocking decisions directly contravene Article 71 of the Constitution, which “prohibits, under any circumstances, the imposition of censorship on Egyptian newspapers and media outlets, or their confiscation, suspension, or closure. No custodial penalties may be imposed for crimes committed by means of publication or publicity.”
The following are the most prominent press and media freedom violations documented by the ECRF during September 2025:
Pretrial detention renewal decisions:
On 15 September 2025, the First Terrorism Circuit of the Cairo Criminal Court, convened in the consultation chamber at the Badr Correctional and Rehabilitation Center, renewed the detention of journalist Khaled Mamdouh for 45 days pending investigation in Case No. 1282 of 2024 (Supreme State Security Prosecution). He faces charges of joining a terrorist group, publishing false news and statements, and committing a financing-related offense.
Mamdouh was arrested at dawn on Tuesday, 16 July 2024, from his home in Al-Muqattam, and was held incommunicado for six days before appearing before the Supreme State Security Prosecution on 21 July, where he was interrogated and charged as stated above.
On 15 September 2025, the Cairo Criminal Court, convening at the Badr Courts Complex, renewed the detention of journalist Sayed Saber Sayed Salem for 45 days pending investigation in Case No. 6499 of 2024 (Supreme State Security Prosecution), on charges of joining a terrorist organization and publishing false news and statements.
He was arrested on 26 November 2024 and brought before the Supreme State Security Prosecution on 27 November 2024, following a post he published on his personal Facebook page.
In April 2025, Saber underwent a critical heart surgery and was transferred to the medical center within the prison complex, before being returned to the Tenth of Ramadan Prison under conditions unsuitable for his health, as he had previously undergone two heart surgeries and suffers from chronic illnesses.
On 23 September 2025, the First Terrorism Circuit of the Cairo Criminal Court, convened at the Badr Correctional and Rehabilitation Center, postponed the second hearing in the trial of journalist Ahmed Bayoumi and several other journalists charged in Case No. 977 of 2017 (Supreme State Security Prosecution), registered as Case No. 15661 of 2024 (Nasr City First Felonies), to 7 December 2025, for review and to hear witness testimonies.
According to the referral order issued by the Supreme State Security Prosecution, the defendants, including Bayoumi, face charges of joining a terrorist group, participating in a criminal agreement aimed at committing terrorist crimes, obstructing the implementation of constitutional and legal provisions, preventing state institutions and public authorities from performing their duties, and assaulting citizens’ rights and personal freedoms.
Security forces arrested Bayoumi from his home in Giza on 16 September 2024 and held him incommunicado for 47 days, during which neither his family nor his legal team could determine his whereabouts. His brother filed several complaints regarding his arrest, but none were effectively investigated.
Release Decisions:
On 1 September 2025, the Supreme State Security Prosecution ordered the release of journalist Donia Samir Fathi El-Dessouky, who had been held in pretrial detention in connection with Case No. 440 of 2022 (Supreme State Security). Her detention was linked to a video she published on Facebook describing harassment she had experienced from the Governor of South Sinai.
The Supreme State Security Prosecution interrogated Donia on 29 May 2022, following her arrest two days earlier along with her three children. She faced charges of joining a terrorist organization, spreading false news, misusing social media platforms, and promoting a terrorist crime.
On 30 September 2023, news circulated that the Supreme State Security Prosecution had issued a decision to release Donia as part of a list of 60 detainees held in pretrial detention on political grounds—however, she was not actually released.
Arrests of Journalists:
On 24 September 2025, researcher and investigative journalist Ismail Alexandrani was stopped at a security checkpoint near the city of Marsa Matrouh. The Supreme State Security Prosecution later ordered his detention for 15 days pending investigation in Case No. 6469 of 2025 (Supreme State Security).
The decision came after hours of interrogation, during which the prosecution charged him with “broadcasting false news, joining a terrorist organization, and using an electronic platform to promote ideas inciting terrorist acts.”
Alexandrani had previously been released from prison in December 2022 after serving seven years behind bars. His case dates back to November 2015, when he was arrested at Hurghada Airport upon returning from a conference held in Berlin.
At the time, the Supreme State Security Prosecution accused him of belonging to a terrorist organization and publishing false news. Although a criminal court ordered his release after a year of pretrial detention, the prosecution appealed the decision, extending his detention.
In December 2017, his case was referred to a military court, which sentenced him to ten years in prison in May 2018, before the sentence was reduced to seven years in October 2022, after which he was released two months later.
On 16 September 2025, the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, chaired by Eng. Khaled Abdel Aziz, held a meeting to discuss several pressing issues on the media landscape.
Abdel Aziz opened the meeting by emphasizing that it was part of a series of sessions aimed at developing a comprehensive roadmap for media reform, in line with directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation and coordination among various media institutions to produce actionable recommendations within specific timeframes. He further stressed the need to develop the technological infrastructure of media organizations and invest in modern broadcasting equipment and digital platforms, noting that social media has become a powerful and influential branch of modern media.
The Council also decided to continue studying possible regulatory approaches to the online game “Roblox”, with the aim of protecting children from moral and behavioral risks and strengthening digital safety for minors.
On 17 September 2025, the Complaints Committee of the SCMR, chaired by media figure Essam El-Amir, issued several decisions, including:
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- Summoning the person responsible for managing Captain Khaled El-Ghandour’s YouTube channel, due to content that violated the Council’s codes and professional standards.
- Summoning the manager of Abo El-Maati Zaki’s YouTube channel for similar violations.
- Summoning the manager of actress Badreya Tolba’s YouTube channel, also for broadcasting materials breaching the Council’s codes and regulations.
These decisions followed monitoring reports by the SCMR’s General Directorate for Media Monitoring, which reviews media compliance with Law No. 180 of 2018 and the Council’s issued codes and standards.
On 21 September 2025, the SCMR, chaired by Eng. Khaled Abdel Aziz, referred a case involving the satellite channel “New Capital Channel” to the Public Prosecution. The referral was based on findings that the channel had exploited the name and logo of a defunct media outlet, “Al-Assema Channel”, thereby misleading the public and broadcasting without a proper license—violations of Articles 59 and 105 of Law No. 180 of 2018 on the Regulation of the Press, Media, and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation.
On 22 September 2025, the SCMR’s Complaints Committee, chaired by Essam El-Amir, decided to close the mutual complaints between Abo El-Maati Zaki and Khaled El-Ghandour, following reconciliation between the two parties.
During the session, both expressed mutual respect and exchanged apologies for any previous misconduct, affirming their commitment to professional values and the resolution of disputes in a spirit of collegiality.
The SCMR reiterated its support for upholding ethical and professional values, promoting dialogue among media figures, and encouraging conflict resolution in line with the Media Honor Code.
On 25 September 2025, the SCMR, chaired by Eng. Khaled Abdel Aziz, received a formal complaint from Mahmoud El-Khatib, President of Al Ahly Sporting Club, against journalist and TV presenter Medhat Shalaby, host of the program “Masa’ El-Anwar” on MBC Masr.
In his complaint, El-Khatib stated that he was surprised by what he described as “offensive remarks” made by the journalist during the episode aired on 23 September 2025, which he considered to be violations of the Council’s professional codes and standards.
The complaint cited specific articles—4, 16, and 19—of Law No. 180 of 2018, which outline the ethical obligations and professional conduct required of media practitioners.
The SCMR decided to refer the complaint to its Complaints Committee, chaired by Essam El-Amir, for careful review and investigation, and to take appropriate legal and regulatory measures in accordance with the Council’s bylaws.
Complaints and Legal Actions:
On 1 September 2025, journalist and Member of Parliament Mostafa Bakry filed seven complaints against several individuals who had allegedly insulted him on social media.
According to his lawyer, Mohamed El-Areeby, the complaints included multiple videos and posts as evidence, accusing seven individuals of defamation and insult. The cases are expected to be referred to the Public Prosecution for investigation on charges of defamation and slander against MP Mostafa Bakry.
On 2 September 2025, media presenter Amr Adib filed a police report at Agouza Police Station against former Zamalek Club president Mortada Mansour, accusing him of insult, defamation, and threats.
The report was filed through a legal representative from lawyer Tarek Gamiel Saeed’s office, who attended on behalf of Adib and submitted a complaint to Major Ahmed Essam, Head of Investigations. The report stated that Mansour had verbally assaulted and threatened Adib via his official Facebook page.
In response, Mortada Mansour announced that he had filed 40 official complaints with the Public Prosecutor against what he described as “lies spread by his opponents,” amid his ongoing public dispute with Adib.
Mansour also stated—through a Facebook post—that he had recorded a video divided into five parts to expose what he described as “the scandals of Labib and his associates,” including “the journalist’s wife,” as he phrased it.
He further claimed that the campaign against him reflected a “mental delusion” on the part of his critics, adding that “the most dangerous thing is that they believe their own lies.”
Earlier, Mansour had filed a separate complaint with the Public Prosecutor against former Zamalek president Mamdouh Abbas and a social media page he accused of spreading false news and incitement against him.
He alleged that the page—which he said did not represent Zamalek fans—had published a forged document attributed to him, claiming he had requested the withdrawal of land allocated to the club in 6th of October City. Mansour denied the claim, stressing that he had, in fact, appealed publicly for the land to be restored to the club.
He described the incident as an act of “spreading false rumors and forging official documents,” challenging those responsible to produce the full evidence to support their claims.
Mansour concluded his complaint by demanding that legal action be taken against all those involved in spreading false information and participating in the alleged forgery.
On 3 September 2025, Ayman Mahfouz, a cassation lawyer, sent an official warning to Mostafa Kamel, head of the Musicians Syndicate, requesting an investigation into singer Ruby following remarks she made during a recent concert in the North Coast while promoting her song “Three Continuous Hours.”
During the event, Ruby jokingly told the audience before performing the song, “I don’t know how many hours—it could be half an hour, three hours is a lot,” which some attendees considered an explicit sexual innuendo inappropriate for a live performance. Others defended her, describing the comment as light humor consistent with her public persona and the informal atmosphere of concerts.
Mahfouz’s notice accused Ruby of “making irresponsible remarks with explicit sexual connotations,” claiming that her comments violated public morality and could constitute a criminal offense. He cited Law No. 10 of 1961 on the Suppression of Immorality, particularly Articles 269 and 171 of the Penal Code, which criminalize public incitement to debauchery, punishable by imprisonment and fines.
The notice also referenced Article 40 of Law No. 35 of 1978 on the Musicians Syndicate, which grants the Syndicate’s president the authority to impose disciplinary sanctions—including fines, temporary suspension, or permanent bans—following an internal investigation by the Syndicate’s disciplinary board.
Mahfouz concluded his notice by urging the Syndicate to conduct a full investigation and impose appropriate disciplinary measures on Ruby, while also referring the matter to criminal prosecutors. He further recommended that the Actors Syndicate refrain from granting her any acting permits until the Musicians Syndicate’s investigation concludes and legal action is taken as required.
On 4 September 2025, Mahmoud Ahmed, Chairman of Holy House Production Company, filed a police report at the October 3rd Police Station against Samira El-Daghidi, Chairperson of Al-Shams TV Channel, accusing her of breaching a contract regarding the scheduled broadcast of the program “Sultan Zamano.”
In his complaint, he alleged that the channel had used the program’s media material without authorization, prompting him to initiate legal action. The report was filed, and the Public Prosecution was notified to begin its investigation.
On 5 September 2025, Egyptian banks received an official directive to freeze all bank accounts and financial assets belonging to social media influencer “Shaker (currently banned)”, over allegations of involvement in money laundering.
During questioning by the Public Prosecution’s Financial Crimes and Anti–Money Laundering Unit, Shaker denied the charges, stating that his main source of income was TikTok, where he had been active for two years following his resignation from the Ministry of Interior.
Earlier, the Cairo Criminal Court had issued an order banning Shaker from disposing of his personal assets, including cash, securities, real estate, electronic wallets, and bank deposits, whether by sale, transfer, mortgage, or any other form of transaction, across all public banks in Egypt.
- On September 7, 2025, media presenterMostafa Bakryfiled a complaint against a group of individuals, accusing them of defamation and insulting him by posting offensive images of him on social media platforms.
According to the report, security authorities received Bakry’s complaint alleging that several individuals had defamed and insulted him online by circulating inappropriate photos. Legal procedures are currently underway. - On September 8, 2025, theEconomic Courtreferred a lawsuit demanding the blocking of the TikTok application to the Commissioners Authority at the State Council, to prepare a technical and advisory report regarding either blocking the app or adjusting its operating policies in Egypt.
A hearing is scheduled for December 6 to rule on the case, which has been described as “pivotal” due to its potential impact on a large segment of users.
Lawyer Ahmed Mehran, who filed the lawsuit, requested either to ban TikTok in Egypt or to oblige the owning company and digital platform to comply with legal and ethical standards aligned with religious and societal values.
Mehran explained that the lawsuit was based on what he described as the platform’s transformation into a space for content that violates public order and morality, posing a threat to social and family security by spreading negative cultural trends and immoral practices, in addition to exposing users—especially young people—to cyber extortion and moral deviation.
The lawsuit aims, according to its text, to establish a binding legal framework for monitoring the content of digital platforms and to compel global tech companies to respect the cultural and religious privacy of Arab societies, while protecting Egyptian and Arab families from moral risks and social disintegration.
Mehran stressed that his intent was not to restrict freedom of expression, but to preserve public morals and the moral identity of society in line with the constitution and the law. - On September 9, 2025, theEconomic Appeals Courtpostponed the hearing of blogger Hadeer Abdel Razek’s appeal against her one-year prison sentence, with bail set at EGP 5,000 and a fine of EGP 100,000, on charges of posting indecent videos, adjourning the case to November 5.
Previously, the same court had rejected Abdel Razek’s appeal, upholding her one-year imprisonment and financial penalties, after the Cairo Economic Court convicted her of broadcasting indecent videos that violated public decency.
The Public Prosecution charged her with multiple offenses, including:
– Publishing indecent photos and videos on her social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok) with the intent to seduce and arouse, in violation of public morals.
– Committing a public act of indecency, by displaying suggestive gestures and sexual innuendos in her posted videos.
– Promoting debauchery, through publishing visual content encouraging immoral behavior.
– Violating family values and principles in Egyptian society by sharing sexually suggestive images and videos.
– Creating and using electronic accounts to facilitate the aforementioned crimes.
The Public Prosecution referred her to trial after investigations revealed that the videos she posted included content promoting immorality and showcasing lingerie in a way that emphasized her physical features. - On September 11, 2025, theThird Circuit of the Administrative Courtpostponed the hearing of the lawsuit filed by Lebanese singer Haifa Wehbe against the Musicians’ Syndicate and its head, Mostafa Kamel, to November 16, to allow both parties to review and submit documents.
The lawsuit, registered under No. 49062/79, demands the annulment of the syndicate’s decision banning Haifa Wehbe from performing in Egypt. During the session, the syndicate was represented by its legal department, while Wehbe’s lawyer insisted on canceling what he described as an arbitrary decision preventing her from practicing her artistic profession.
During his pleading before the Commissioners Authority, lawyer Hany Sameh demanded the removal of Mostafa Kamelfrom his position, accusing him of exercising unconstitutional censorship over artistic expression and applying what he described as “medieval and fundamentalist values” unrelated to Egypt’s constitution or the syndicate’s true mandate.
Sameh emphasized that the syndicate’s decisions—including the March 16 ban on Haifa Wehbe—were issued in response to religiously conservative social media comments, without any formal investigation or legal review, thereby constituting a serious violation of artistic freedom and reputation rights.
He further accused the syndicate of harming Egypt’s cultural and artistic tourism sector, particularly amid a notable decline in festivals and concerts, in contrast to the growing cultural openness in Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Citing Articles 65 and 67 of the Egyptian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of artistic expression and prohibit imposing censorship or penalties on creative works except through judicial process, Sameh argued that the syndicate’s conduct blatantly violated these principles.
He called for suspending all decisions issued by Mostafa Kamel against Haifa Wehbe and other artists, and for forming a transitional committee under the Ministry of Culture to oversee the syndicate until it realigns its work with constitutional and legal principles.
Sameh concluded that this legal battle transcends individual interests, representing a defense of Egypt’s cultural and artistic identity against intolerance and regression. - On September 13, 2025,Sahar El-Ibrashi, widow of the late journalistWael El-Ibrashi, filed a police report against the lawyer representing her husband’s sister, accusing him of defamation and deliberate character assassination in a televised interview amid an ongoing inheritance dispute.
The court had earlier rejected the lawsuit filed by El-Ibrashi’s sister, prompting Sahar to express both sadness and relief, stating that her husband’s name was too honorable to be embroiled in family conflicts.
She added that throughout his life, the late journalist had been devoted to supporting his family and siblings, yet believed their only daughter, Gilan, deserved a secure future after his untimely death. She noted that he had registered a house in Gilan’s name, which sparked the current dispute, emphasizing that this act did not contradict Islamic law.
Sahar explained that the conflict began shortly after his death, when Gilan was only 14 years old, and that her focus had always been on safeguarding her daughter’s education and well-being.
She affirmed her commitment to protecting her husband’s legacy and public image, describing her care for their daughter as a sacred trust left to her by Wael himself.
She concluded by calling for an end to exploiting her husband’s name in media or legal disputes, stressing that what ultimately endures is kindness, integrity, and love. - On September 16, 2025, theHaram Misdemeanor Courtruled that it lacked jurisdiction to hear the case filed against actress Badreya Tolba, who was accused of misusing social media and insulting the Egyptian people, and referred the case to the competent court.
Lawyer Nivin Wagih, a member of the Women’s Committee at the Union of Arab Lawyers, had filed a formal complaint against the actress, accusing her of posting inappropriate videos containing suggestive language and gestures that she said undermined the image of Egyptian women and society.
In televised statements, Wagih asserted that Tolba’s behavior constituted an insult to the Egyptian public and a misuse of social media platforms, arguing that the disciplinary action taken by Dr. Ashraf Zaki, head of the Actors’ Syndicate, to refer her to investigation was insufficient.
She demanded that Tolba be permanently banned from acting, even if she issued a public apology, stressing that the acts in question are punishable under the law as misuse of communication technologies.