The Egyptian Journalists' Union has filed two complaints with the Attorney General and the Interior Minister against a self-proclaimed entity known as the "General Union of Media Workers." The complaints were submitted on Monday, September 21, 2026, by Khaled El-Balshi, the union's head. The union claims that this entity is operating under the guise of journalism, performing tasks that are exclusively under the purview of the Journalists' Union.
According to Jamal Abdel Rahim, the union's Secretary General, the Journalists' Union has been monitoring the activities of the "General Union of Media Workers," which appears to be usurping the name of journalism as a cover for its operations. This entity is said to be altering the profession listed on national ID cards to "press editor" or "media editor." The union argues that this is a clear infringement on the Journalists' Union's authority and a potential threat to the integrity of the journalism profession.
The Journalists' Union is the sole and legitimate representative of journalists in Egypt, established by Law No. 76 of 1970. The law grants the union a legal personality and exclusive authority over matters related to the journalism profession. The union's Secretary General emphasized that the "General Union of Media Workers" is in direct contravention of the Egyptian Constitution, specifically Articles 76 and 77, which regulate the establishment and operation of professional unions.
Article 76 of the Constitution guarantees the right to establish unions on a democratic basis, while Article 77 stipulates that only one union can be established for each profession. The Journalists' Union argues that the "General Union of Media Workers" is an unauthorized entity that undermines the union's authority and legitimacy. By establishing a parallel union, this entity may create confusion among the public and undermine the Journalists' Union's ability to represent its members.
The complaints filed by the Journalists' Union seek to hold the individuals behind the "General Union of Media Workers" accountable for their actions. The union is requesting that the authorities take necessary measures to investigate the alleged irregularities and take action as needed. The Journalists' Union is also seeking to protect its members' interests and maintain the integrity of the journalism profession.
The "General Union of Media Workers" recently launched an online portal to accept membership applications and register with private and electronic newspapers. The Journalists' Union views this move as an attempt to usurp its authority and create a parallel structure for journalists. The union is determined to defend its legitimacy and protect the interests of its members.
The Journalists' Union's actions are part of its constitutional and legal mandate to protect the journalism profession and defend the rights of its members. The union will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to ensure that its authority and legitimacy are respected.
Key points
- The Egyptian Journalists' Union has filed complaints against a self-proclaimed "General Union of Media Workers" for allegedly usurping its authority.
- The Journalists' Union claims that the new entity is operating in contravention of the Egyptian Constitution and Law No. 76 of 1970.
- The union is seeking to protect its members' interests and maintain the integrity of the journalism profession.
