On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the Egyptian Public Prosecution ordered the detention of six individuals on remand as part of investigations into case no. 8083 of 2026, related to national security. The probe concerns the activities of the 'Matsaddaksh' social media page. According to the prosecution, investigations revealed that leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood, who are fugitives abroad, instructed their cadres to create and manage social media platforms.
The goal was to disseminate false news and rumors, questioning the performance of state institutions and officials, with the aim of provoking citizens to demonstrate and gather. The 'Matsaddaksh' page was identified as one of the group's media platforms, managed from abroad with the participation of its members inside Egypt, including one registered with the Journalists' Syndicate.
Following a warrant for the arrest and search of the suspects, six individuals were apprehended. Several of their lawyers attended the interrogation sessions, along with a member of the Journalists' Syndicate for the suspect registered with the syndicate. One suspect admitted to joining the Muslim Brotherhood's media committee and working on the 'Matsaddaksh' page.
He stated that they received assignments to publish false news and rumors about state institutions and officials, as well as highlighting shortcomings and escalating issues. The suspect also admitted to receiving monthly financial amounts in foreign currency, transferred through a company owned by a fugitive Brotherhood member in a foreign country.
Technical examination of the suspects' phones revealed closed groups on a secure communication application, containing messages from the fugitive Brotherhood member. The suspects' accounts on social media platforms were also reviewed, showing publications supporting the Brotherhood and calling for the overthrow of the government.
While one suspect admitted to publishing such content, the others denied involvement with the Brotherhood, except for one who admitted to previous membership but claimed to have left the group. All suspects acknowledged working on the 'Matsaddaksh' page and receiving periodic financial amounts in US dollars from a foreign country.
The prosecution concluded by announcing the detention of the suspects pending further investigation, while continuing with the legal procedures in the case.
Key points
- The 'Matsaddaksh' page was used to spread false information and rumors about Egyptian state institutions and officials.
- The suspects received financial support from abroad to manage the page and disseminate its content.
- The investigation is ongoing, with the prosecution continuing to gather evidence and examine the suspects' roles in the case.
