Egyptian courts convict Mada Masr editor Lina Attalah and order outlet closed amid broader media crackdown

The Egyptian government’s recent suppression of independent media intensified after the forceful arrest of the entire six‑person Matsada2sh newsroom, a fact‑checking and OSINT platform run by young journalists. Members of the team were reportedly disappeared, detained without legal process, and interrogated under torture before being charged with terrorism and spreading false news, remaining in pre‑trial detention.

The crackdown then reached Mada Masr, one of the country’s most prominent independent outlets. Founder and editor‑in‑chief Lina Attalah was convicted on 27 October for operating a news website without a license in a hearing described as violating her right to a fair trial. She received the maximum fine of 3 million Egyptian pounds (about USD 55,000) and was removed from the courtroom, held until the fine was paid seven hours later. The court also ordered the shutdown of Mada Masr and confiscated its equipment. A second trial is set for 11 November on charges of spreading false news that carry a possible prison term. According to the outlet, a judge appointed a lawyer for Attalah despite eight of her own lawyers being present, and her objection was not recorded.