july2, 2025
The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms issues its monthly bulletin documenting violations against the press, media professionals, and the repression of media outlets. This bulletin monitors the most prominent violations experienced by journalists and media workers throughout June 2025, as well as the restrictions they have faced.
Freedom of the press and media is subjected to violations through unjust legislation that contradicts the principles of international human rights law, or through the failure to implement existing laws that guarantee these freedoms. Repressive laws continue to control professional and union organization, and the working conditions of journalists and media workers — all in clear defiance of the Egyptian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of information in Article 68, freedom of the press in Article 70, and prohibits imprisonment in publication and publicity-related cases in Article 71.
One of the judiciary’s practices contributing to these violations is the phenomenon of “recycling” journalists — bringing new charges against them while they are already in detention, circumventing the legal maximum two-year limit for pretrial detention.
It is worth noting that 22 journalists are currently behind bars in connection with political cases, either in pretrial detention without referral to trial, or through rulings issued by State Security Misdemeanor and Felony Courts. Detention periods vary from months to years.
Below are the most prominent violations of press and media freedoms monitored by the Commission in June 2025:
Pretrial Detention Renewals:
June 17, 2025: The First Terrorism Circuit of the Cairo Criminal Court, convened at the Badr Reform and Rehabilitation Center, renewed the detention of journalist Mohamed Saad Khattab Heggy for 45 days pending investigation in Case No. 2063 of 2023. He is accused of spreading false news and misusing social media (Twitter).
Khattab was arrested by security forces from his office in Nasr City on August 19, 2023, and spent a night at the National Security headquarters in Abbasiya, where he was subjected to psychological and physical torture, including being handcuffed and stripped of his clothes, before being brought before the Supreme State Security Prosecution the next day for interrogation.
Khattab suffers from coronary artery disease and has four stents implanted. He also suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes, has had neck and back surgeries, has metal plates and screws in one foot, and requires daily medication and regular medical follow-up.
June 18, 2025: The same court renewed the detention of journalist Yasser Abu El-Ela for 45 days pending investigation in Case No. 1568 of 2024 (State Security Prosecution). He faces charges of joining a terrorist group, spreading false news and data, and committing a financing-related crime.
June 18, 2025: The same court also renewed the detention of journalist Ramadan Goweda Shehata El-Sayed Wahdan for 45 days pending investigation in the same case (No. 1568 of 2024).
Ramadan Goweda, a journalist with Al-Youm News, was arrested on May 1, 2024, in Ashmoun district, Menoufia Governorate. He forcibly disappeared for 40 days before appearing on June 10, 2024, before the State Security Prosecution in New Cairo. He was remanded in custody in Wadi El-Natrun prison, facing charges of “joining a terrorist group and spreading false news.”
June 18, 2025: The court also renewed the detention of Egyptian translator and cartoonist Ashraf Omar for 45 days pending investigation in Case No. 1968 of 2024 (State Security Prosecution). He is charged with joining a terrorist group, spreading false news and data, and committing a terrorism financing offense.
Omar was arrested from his home on July 22 of the previous year, held in an undisclosed location for two days, then brought before the State Security Prosecution and charged as stated above. He has been held in pretrial detention since.
June 24, 2025: The Terrorism Circuit of the Cairo Criminal Court, held at the Badr Reform and Rehabilitation Center, renewed the detention of journalist Ahmed Bayoumi, who works for Erem News, for 45 days in Case No. 5054 of 2024 (State Security Prosecution). He is accused of joining a terrorist group and financing terrorism.
Bayoumi was arrested from his home in Giza Governorate on September 16, 2024, and was subjected to 47 days of enforced disappearance, during which neither his legal defense nor family could ascertain his whereabouts. His brother filed several complaints, but no serious investigation was conducted in response.
Supreme Council for Media Regulation Decisions
June 3, 2025: The Complaints Committee of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR), chaired by Mr. Essam El-Amir (Deputy Head of the Council), held a hearing session for content creator Ahmed Fakhry El-Hassani, in response to a complaint filed against him by the Ministry of Finance.
This session was held pursuant to the Council’s jurisdiction under the law, which authorizes oversight of social media pages with more than 5,000 followers, as well as the applicable media codes and standards.
The committee heard El-Hassani’s testimony regarding the content in question and will prepare a report for the SCMR to take the appropriate legal action.
The committee also decided to summon the legal representative of Ten TV Channel for a hearing regarding a May 29, 2025 episode of the show El Primo, hosted by Mr. Islam Sadeq. In that episode, a guest made statements that violated the Council’s media codes and standards.
Likewise, the committee summoned the legal representative of Al-Shams TV Channel for a hearing regarding the May 31, 2025 episode of the program Malaeb El-Bulldozer (The Bulldozer’s Field), hosted by Captain Magdy Abdel Ghany, during which similar violations were observed.
The SCMR also decided to summon the executive producer of the YouTube program Nagm El-Gamahir (Star of the Fans), hosted by journalist Abu El-Maati Zaki (a member of the Journalists Syndicate), based on a formal complaint filed by Zamalek Sporting Club, led by Captain Hussein Labib.
In response, the Council contacted the Journalists Syndicate to take the necessary measures in accordance with the law.
Zamalek Club’s complaint, concerning the episode aired on May 24, 2025, cited Article 4 of Law No. 180/2018 on the Regulation of Press and Media, which prohibits the publication or broadcast of any media content that contradicts constitutional principles or incites illegal actions, discrimination, violence, or hatred.
June 4, 2025: The SCMR, headed by Eng. Khaled Abdel Aziz, received a complaint from media personality Maha Mohamed Abdel Moneim (popularly known as Maha El Soghayar), who claimed that several media outlets, news websites, and their affiliated social media pages were publishing false information and violating the privacy of her and her family.
The complaint emphasized that some outlets had been repeatedly posting such content daily, using varied media formats to spread defamation and insult.
El Soghayar called for legal action to be taken against those running these outlets and platforms.
The SCMR will investigate the complaint and take the necessary legal measures under media laws and regulations to ensure the protection of individual rights, dignity, and the sanctity of private life.
June 5, 2025: The SCMR announced that it had referred two complaints to its Complaints Committee, chaired by media figure Essam El-Amir, for review and necessary action. These complaints were submitted by:
Writer and journalist Nawara El-Entesar Ahmed Fouad Negm (known as Nawara Negm), and
Nawara Negm’s complaint addressed repeated verbal attacks on her late father, renowned poet Ahmed Fouad Negm, as well as hostile media coverage targeting her legal counsel.
Meanwhile, Yasmine Raees complained about news channels and websites that broadcast false quotes and fabricated interviews attributed to her with the intention of tarnishing her reputation — without granting her the opportunity to respond or clarify.
Human rights lawyer Malek Adly, representing Nawara Negm, announced via Facebook that he and colleague Mohamed Eissa El-Sarawy had filed official complaints with both the Journalists Syndicate and the SCMR against journalist Ahmed Moussa, host of Ala Mas’ouliyati on Sada El-Balad TV, and journalist Mohamed El-Baz, citing persistent defamation of their client and her father.
It is worth noting that Mohamed El-Baz was sentenced to one month in prison in Case No. 891/2025 (Financial Misdemeanors Court) for defamation of the late poet Ahmed Fouad Negm and for intentionally harassing his daughter, Nawara.
The SCMR confirmed that it would follow up on both complaints in accordance with legal and professional standards, within its supervisory role over media outlets and to protect citizens’ rights, in line with journalistic ethics and Egyptian media regulations.
June 18, 2025: The Complaints Committee, chaired by Essam El-Amir, decided to summon the legal representative of Sada El-Balad TV regarding violations observed in the Ala Mas’ouliyati program, hosted by Ahmed Moussa. These violations were documented by the Council’s Monitoring Unit, which tracks compliance with Law No. 180/2018 and SCMR’s media codes.
The committee also summoned:
The legal representative of Al-Mehwar TV, regarding violations in the Ma’a Khairy program hosted by Khairy Ramadan.
The legal representative of ON E Channel, concerning violations of media codes in the sports program El Clasico.
June 23, 2025: The SCMR, headed by Eng. Khaled Abdel Aziz, received a complaint from lawyer Ashraf Abdel Aziz, representing Captain Hossam Hassan, head coach of the Egyptian national football team, against several news websites.
The complaint stated that these websites defamed the coach, allowed the live broadcasting of his wife speaking about their personal disputes, and published clips containing insults and slander.
The SCMR will examine the complaint and take the required legal actions under existing laws and regulations to protect individual dignity, privacy, and prevent defamatory media practices.
Decisions of the Media Syndicate:
On June 19, 2025, Dr. Tarek Saada, President of the Media Syndicate and member of the Senate, issued a decision summoning media figure Khairy Ramadan for an investigation at the Syndicate’s headquarters in Garden City.
This decision was based on a report by the Syndicate’s Media Observatory, which recommended action due to violations of the Media Code of Honor and the Professional Conduct Charter in the June 15, 2025 episode of his program (Ma’a Khairy) broadcast on the Mehwar channel.
Dr. Saada emphasized that all Egyptian media professionals must comply with the Media Code of Honor and the Professional Conduct Charter, as published in Al-Waqa’i’ al-Masriya (Issue No. 287) on December 20, 2017.
Complaints and Legal Proceedings:
On June 1, 2025, the competent court scheduled a session for October 19 to hear the appeal filed by the defense team of actress Afaf Shoaib against the acquittal of director Mohamed Sami in a defamation case.
Previously, the October Appeals Court had accepted Mohamed Sami’s appeal against a fine of EGP 5,000 and acquitted him of the charges of insulting and defaming actress Afaf Shoaib during a TV appearance.
Lawyer Shaaban Said, representing Sami, argued the absence of criminal intent and lack of sufficient legal grounds for the accusation, submitting a memorandum and supporting documents to that effect.
The case, originally filed by Afaf Shoaib and referred by the October Prosecution to the Misdemeanor Court, accused Sami of public verbal abuse damaging her honor and reputation.
Initially, the October Misdemeanor Court fined Sami EGP 5,000 after verifying the offense.
On June 4, 2025, a court set July 16 as the date to begin hearing the appeal against the acquittal of actor Mohamed Ramadan on charges of insulting the Egyptian flag and denigrating Egyptian women at an international festival in the United States.
Ramadan had previously been acquitted by the Dokki Misdemeanor Court.
A lawyer filed a direct misdemeanor case against him, alleging he insulted national values by defaming the Egyptian flag and promoting destructive symbols and ideas.
The lawsuit demanded Ramadan pay $1 billion in damages to the Tahya Misr Fund.
The case referenced video clips showing Ramadan draping the Egyptian flag over his back—interpreted as an insult to the national symbol—and alleged connections to so-called “Masonic” symbols.
Also on June 4, 2025, lawyer Shaaban Said, representing actor union head Ashraf Zaki, submitted a formal complaint to the Public Prosecutor against those responsible for the Facebook page “Casting Paradise – Talents in Acting, Singing, Poetry, Visual Arts, Story & Screenwriting”, accusing them of fraud.
According to the complaint, the page posted ads soliciting young men and women to pay to appear in “Al-Maddah – Season 6,” allegedly starring Hamada Helal, without authorization.
Upon contacting the actual production companies, the union found they had no connection to the page or the advertisement.
The complaint cited Article 336 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes fraud and attempted fraud, and requested a swift investigation by the Financial Crimes Department to identify and prosecute those behind the page.
Lawyer Mohamed Rashwan stated that legal complaints submitted by Al Ahly SC against Hani Shoukry, a board member of rival club Zamalek, have been referred to North Giza Prosecution.
The case concerns a video showing Shoukry making offensive remarks about Al Ahly fans.
Rashwan confirmed that Al Ahly formally submitted complaints to the Public Prosecutor and is determined to pursue legal action to protect the club’s reputation.
The video showed Shoukry with Mamdouh Eid, CEO of Pyramids FC, at a funeral, making derogatory comments toward Al Ahly and its supporters.
On June 19, 2025, security forces arrested blogger and presenter Sayed Ghoneim, known online as “El-Farfoush”, outside his home in Shebin El-Kom, Monufia, under orders from the Public Prosecution.
He was accused of promoting immorality by filming and posting videos with scantily clad dancers making sexually suggestive comments and gestures, aiming to generate profit from social media views.
He was immediately referred to the prosecution for formal investigation.
Lawyer Ayman Mahfouz also filed a complaint accusing Ghoneim of systematically promoting obscenity and moral corruption online.
The complaint to the Cybercrime Department described Ghoneim’s content as pornographic and accused him of deliberately corrupting youth.
Mahfouz called for an investigation and highlighted violations of the Cybercrime Law No. 175/2018, the Telecommunications Law, and the Penal Code, which could lead to up to 5 years’ imprisonment and fines.
He demanded that authorities review the content and bring Ghoneim to justice.
On June 19, 2025, judicial documents revealed a direct misdemeanor lawsuit filed against journalist Mohamed El-Baz by businessman Naguib Sawiris, accusing him of defamation and slander.
The complaint, registered under Case No. 3/2025 Misdemeanors Dokki Petitions (also No. 2/2025 Journalism Petitions), refers to a Facebook postdated May 15, 2025, in which El-Baz allegedly insulted and publicly defamed Sawiris.
The plaintiff claims the statements aimed to undermine his patriotism and reputation.
A hearing has been set for September 2, 2025, at 9:00 AM at Dokki Prosecution to question El-Baz.
Sawiris requested the maximum penalty and financial compensation.
The dispute stems from an article by El-Baz titled “Report to the Military Prosecutor Against Naguib Sawiris,” in which he accused Sawiris of insulting the Egyptian army and called his comments “childish” and “ridiculous,” undermining national security.
On June 22, 2025, the Third Syndicates Circuit at the Administrative Court of the State Council postponed a case filed by singer-actress Haifa Wehbe against a decision by the Musicians’ Syndicate and its head Mostafa Kamel banning her from performing in Egypt.
The hearing was adjourned to July 10 for the Commissioner’s Report and submission of briefs.
Wehbe’s defense demanded cancellation of what they described as an “arbitrary” decision preventing her from practicing her art.
During the hearing, lawyer Hani Samir called for the dismissal of Mostafa Kamel, accusing him of unconstitutional censorship and enforcing “medieval and Salafi” standards unrelated to the Syndicate’s legal role.
He argued the decision, issued on March 16, was based on online religious criticism rather than legal inquiry, constituting a grave violation of artistic freedom.
Samir also accused the Syndicate of harming Egypt’s cultural tourism sector, particularly amid a decline in local festivals and events, compared to artistic openness in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
He cited Articles 65 and 67 of the Egyptian Constitution protecting artistic freedom and banning censorship or penalties on creative work outside judicial channels.
He called for suspending all decisions by Mostafa Kamel against Wehbe and others, and for the formation of a transitional committee from the Ministry of Culture to oversee the Syndicate’s affairs until proper legal order is restored.
He emphasized that the legal battle was not just personal but part of a broader fight for Egypt’s cultural identity.
On June 23, 2025, businessman and Senator Ahmed Abu Hashima submitted an official complaint to the Cybercrime Unit at the Ministry of Interior, against an Instagram account named starsofegyptt.
The account allegedly published a fake interview attributed to Abu Hashima containing false statements attacking Qatar and accusing it of supporting Israel by opening its airspace and providing medical aid.
Lawyer Tahir El-Khouly, representing Abu Hashima, stated that the interview never took place, and the content is entirely fabricated, falling under the category of fake news and misinformation, punishable under Egyptian law.
The complaint added that the account provided no evidence or source, indicating a deliberate attempt to mislead public opinion and damage Abu Hashima’s reputation and political standing.
The complaint cited Law No. 180/2018 on Media Regulation, including articles banning misinformation and hate speech, and holding admins of widely followed social media accounts legally responsible for posted content.
The complaint demanded swift legal action, account closure, and prosecution of the individuals behind it, stating such conduct poses a threat to information security and public stability.
On June 24, 2025, lawyer Amr Abdel Salam, on behalf of artist Hossam Ezzat, filed a police report at Abdeen Police Station against Mostafa Kamel, President of the Musicians’ Syndicate, and the supervisory judicial committee for allegedly preventing Ezzat from submitting his candidacy for the 2025 midterm elections.
According to the report, Ezzat had met all legal requirements, but his candidacy was rejected due to personal conflicts with Kamel.
The complaint alleges abuse of authority, pointing out that Ezzat was formerly the director of Kamel’s office before resigning, and that his membership renewal was unfairly denied in 2025.
Cases with Issued Verdicts:
On June 3, 2025, the Dokki Misdemeanor Court acquitted actor Mohamed Ramadan of the charge of insulting the Egyptian flag. The case stemmed from his appearance at the Coachella Festival in the United States wearing attire deemed inappropriate and contrary to public taste, societal values, and religious norms.
Lawyer Ashraf Farhat had filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor, accusing Ramadan of offensive public appearance at the festival and arguing that his conduct could not be justified as a matter of personal freedom, especially as he was representing Egypt in an international artistic event.
The complaint stated: “The repetition of such behavior without legal deterrence encourages moral decay and undermines the state’s efforts to instill proper values in youth.” It also pointed out that the incident involved an offense against the Egyptian flag.
The complaint referenced Article 11 of the Egyptian Flag Law, which criminalizes disrespecting the flag or violating its regulations, punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine not exceeding EGP 30,000—or both.
Farhat also argued that Ramadan’s behavior constituted a violation of family values protected by the Constitution, and breached Articles 25 and 26 of Law No. 175 of 2018 on Cybercrime.
He concluded by requesting that the Public Prosecutor summon Mohamed Ramadan for investigation and take the necessary legal measures.
Also on June 3, 2025, the Cairo Economic Court issued a ruling to suspend the sentence previously issued against Mortada Mansour, former president of Zamalek Sports Club, in the defamation case filed by Mahmoud El-Khatib, president of Al Ahly Club.
The ruling followed the submission of an official reconciliation statement during a prior hearing.
This decision came after both parties dropped all lawsuits between them, ending one of the most high-profile legal conflicts in Egypt’s sports scene—a conflict that had dragged on for years, fueled by media clashes and legal disputes.
The ruling is seen as a turning point in the strained relationship between the two figures, especially considering recent calls to prioritize the public interest of Egyptian sports.
On June 12, 2025, the Cairo Economic Court acquitted blogger Ingy Hamada of money laundering charges and lifted all freezes on her assets and properties after it was proven that she was not involved in the alleged criminal activities.
Previously, the Court of Appeals had accepted her appeal against a one-year prison sentence while upholding a EGP 100,000 fine.
However, the court upheld the sentence against another content creator known as “Karawan Moshakel”, who was sentenced to one year in prison and a fine of EGP 100,000, on charges of inciting immorality and debauchery through a widely circulated video known in the media as the “Kitchen Video.”
Both individuals were previously convicted by the Economic Misdemeanor Court for publishing content considered indecent.
Security forces had arrested Ingy Hamada in connection with the case, based on allegations that she and TikToker Karawan Moshakel shared obscene content online.
On June 23, 2025, the Economic Court ruled that it lacks jurisdiction over the defamation case filed by actress Hind Akef against producer Laila Al-Shabah, which stemmed from an incident during the funeral of late composer Helmy Bakr. The case was referred to the Public Prosecution for appropriate action.
The court had scheduled June 23 for issuing a ruling in the case.
Prosecutors had previously referred Laila Al-Shabah for trial on charges of insulting and defaming Hind Akef during the funeral.
The complaint, filed by Akef’s lawyer, alleged that Al-Shabah verbally abused the actress, Hind Abdel-Monem Sayed Ismail Akef, known professionally as Hind Akef, during the event held in 2024 in the Agouza district of Giza Governorate.
The complaint also claimed that Al-Shabah spread false accusations through the media and social media platforms, using an internet account to intentionally commit a crime punishable under the law.
On June 23, 2025, the Cairo Economic Court sentenced a well-known TV presenter to pay a fine of EGP 100,000 after finding her guilty of defaming director Khaled Youssef and his wife, visual artist Shalimar Sharbatly.
Prosecutors had referred the defendant to the Economic Court in Case No. 111 of 2025 (Economic Misdemeanors), based on her sharing of a social media post containing offensive statements targeting the director and his wife.
The case originated from a formal complaint filed by Khaled Youssef, alleging slander and defamation via the presenter’s personal social media page.
Lawyer Mostafa Ramadan, representing Youssef, filed a civil claim for temporary damages.
On June 28, 2025, the Cairo Economic Court fined a young woman EGP 10,000 after convicting her of harassing Dr. Ashraf Zaki, President of the Actors’ Syndicate, and misusing social media.
The incident began when Dr. Zaki filed a formal complaint against the woman, accusing her of sending him repeated disturbing messages via online platforms, which he considered an illegitimate use of digital communication for the purpose of harassment.
During the trial, the defense attorney presented legal arguments denying any criminal intent and requesting the client’s acquittal. However, the court ruled to impose the financial penalty.
