The New York-based group said the Egyptian military, which receives $1.3
billion in annual U.S. aid, has escalated harassment against the media, Middle East Newsline reported. On
June 2, military prosecutors were said to have questioned the editors of the
opposition Al Wafd daily regarding a May 26 article on an alleged political
deal between the military and the Muslim Brotherhood. One editor, Sayid
Abdul Ati, was accused of publishing false information.
On May 30, an Egyptian television anchor and a blogger were summoned by
military prosecutors. The anchor, Reem Maged, was said to be under
investigation of her talk show on the previous day in which dissident
blogger Hossam Hamalawy was interviewed. Military police commander Gen.
Hamid Badin filed a complaint against Hamalawy, and Magid was designated a
witness.
The committee said the military also forced the cancellation of
television shows as well as monitored websites for dissent. One journalist
was interrogated regarding a story that the military conducted so-called
virginity tests on women protesters.
In March, Egyptian publications were banned from publishing
unauthorized information on the military. The order on March 22
called on Egyptian newspapers, radio, television and websites to submit all
sensitive stories to military review.
"The military asserts that it is the guardian of the revolution," CPJ
program coordinator Mohamed Abdel Dayem said. "If that's so, it should
encourage, not repress, freedom of expression."
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