Journalists from the "Matsaddaksh" Facebook page, who were arrested and detained by Egypt's National Security, have claimed that they were subjected to torture and ill-treatment during their detention. According to a statement by the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, the journalists were forced to record false confessions, which were presented as evidence against them. The journalists were arrested in the days leading up to their appearance before the Supreme State Security Prosecution.
The journalists, including Mohamed Ashraf Abu Omira, were interrogated by National Security officers, who forced them to read scripted confessions in front of cameras. These confessions may be used as evidence against them in future trials. The journalists' lawyers have stated that they will request an investigation into these allegations and demand that any confessions made under duress be deemed null and void.
The five journalists, who were taken into custody, were held incommunicado for several days before being presented before the Supreme State Security Prosecution. During their interrogation, which lasted over ten hours, they were not allowed to consult with their lawyers privately. The prosecution has ordered a 15-day detention period for Abu Omira, while the other journalists are set to appear before the prosecution again.
The journalists' lawyers have reported that the prosecution has charged them with several crimes, including joining a terrorist group, publishing false news, and using social media to promote terrorist ideologies. However, the charges against Abu Omira do not include the latter. The investigation also touched on questions about foreign funding.
The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights has stated that the journalists were denied access to their families and lawyers during their detention. Some of the journalists have requested a medical examination to document injuries sustained during their detention. The prosecution has ordered a medical examination for one of the journalists.
The case has raised concerns about the treatment of journalists in Egypt and the use of coercion to extract confessions. The journalists' lawyers are pushing for an investigation into the allegations of torture and ill-treatment. The prosecution is set to continue its investigation into the journalists' alleged crimes.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by journalists in Egypt, where press freedom has been a contentious issue. The case will likely be closely watched by human rights groups and press freedom advocates.
Key points
- The journalists claim they were tortured and coerced into making false confessions while in detention by Egypt's National Security.
- The prosecution has charged the journalists with several crimes, including joining a terrorist group and publishing false news.
- The incident has raised concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Egypt.
