An Egyptian court has postponed the retrial of Lina Attalah, editor-in-chief of independent news site Mada Masr, until November 18. The trial is on charges of publishing false news and running an unlicensed website. Mada Masr said Attalah's defence submitted a request to change the judge, as he had previously ruled against her. The judge postponed the case for a week until the Court of Appeals decides on the change.
Human rights groups view the Mada Masr case as a test of whether independent journalism can survive in Egypt. The Arab world's most populous country has faced criticism for its treatment of journalists and media outlets. In a previous trial on October 27, the judge fined Attalah 3 million Egyptian pounds ($56,200) and ordered the closure of Mada Masr. The site had operated without a licence, according to the court.
Mada Masr, along with other independent websites, had sought a licence under a 2018 media law but received no formal decision. Attalah's lawyers said the court had rejected their requests to review the case file and submit additional evidence. The court had also appointed a lawyer for Attalah against her objections. Egypt's Supreme Judicial Council later rejected suggestions that the trial was unfair.
An appeal against the October 27 ruling is due to be heard on November 25. In the retrial case, Attalah was sentenced in absentia in 2024 to a year in prison. She only learned of the sentence on October 27, while being released after the ruling that shuttered her news site. Attalah's case has drawn international attention and concern from human rights groups.
Egyptian authorities have not responded to requests for comment on the Mada Masr case or wider issues of press freedom. The state has repeatedly said it is committed to freedom of expression, but that media must operate within the law and respect national security. The case has raised concerns about the future of independent journalism in Egypt.
The Mada Masr case is seen as a litmus test for the country's media landscape. The site has been a critical voice in Egyptian journalism, and its closure has sparked concerns about the erosion of press freedom. The case will continue to be closely watched by human rights groups and media organizations.
The retrial's postponement gives Attalah's defence team more time to prepare their case. The outcome will have significant implications for the future of independent journalism in Egypt. Key points to watch include the court's final decision on the licence issue and the potential consequences for Attalah and Mada Masr.
Key points
- The Egyptian court has postponed the retrial of Mada Masr editor Lina Attalah until November 18.
- Human rights groups see the Mada Masr case as a test of whether independent journalism can survive in Egypt.
- The case has raised concerns about the future of independent journalism in Egypt and the erosion of press freedom.
