Women Journalists Without Chains has recently released a report that assessed the condition of freedom of expression and press freedom in Egypt. The report paints a grim picture of Egypt's deeply rooted environment of oppression under the control of military and security leaders.

According to the report, Egypt is currently one of the worst countries in terms of press freedom.

The report documented over 112 violations against journalists in 2022 alone, highlighting the terrible mistreatment that journalists faced, including imprisonment, assault, torture, and termination of employment. In particular, the report mentioned the plight of approximately 20 female journalists who were subjected to various forms of mistreatment.

Despite the promises of revolution in January 2011, the ascent of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to power has dashed the hopes of Egyptian society and journalists. El-Sisi seized power in 2013 following a military coup that ousted the nation's first democratically-elected president, Mohamed Morsi. Since then, the government has deployed various fascist techniques to suppress even the most basic forms of criticism, as pressure and intimidation against journalists and media outlets have steadily intensified.

According to the report by Women Journalists Without Chains, Egypt has a legal framework for controlling the press and media that is extensive and oppressive. The country features a formidable array of laws, including the Anti-Terrorism Law (2015) and the Press and Media Regulation Law (2018), which places the Supreme Council for Media Regulation under full executive authority. The Law on Combating Information Technology Crimes (2018) further strengthens this repressive regime.

The report's findings paint a disturbing picture of Egypt's press freedom, making it clear that the country needs to do more to protect the rights of journalists and the press. The report's calls for greater freedom of expression and an overhaul of the legal system may signal the beginning of a new chapter of hope for Egypt's journalists and press.

 To read full report click here