Egypt Accuses Entire Matsadaash Newsroom of Terrorism Offences

Egyptian prosecutors have accused six journalists from independent fact-checking platform Matsadaash of terrorism-related offences, alleging that they worked for the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood and received funding from abroad.

The six journalists make up the platform’s entire newsroom. Matsadaash management and rights groups said they were arrested during raids in several governorates on September 28 and 29.

Prosecutors outline allegations

According to prosecutors, Matsadaash was among online media platforms allegedly operated from abroad by members of the Muslim Brotherhood. The prosecution said Brotherhood leaders outside Egypt directed members to establish platforms to spread rumours, false news and statements, undermine confidence in state institutions and encourage demonstrations.

Prosecutors also alleged that the journalists received monthly funding in foreign currencies through transfers from a company owned by a Brotherhood member living overseas. They further alleged that Matsadaash spread false news, damaged confidence in state institutions and received foreign funding.

Prosecutors said an examination of the social-media accounts of two journalists found posts supporting what they called the “terrorist Muslim Brotherhood group.” The source material does not independently verify those allegations, the claimed admissions or the reported social-media findings.

The Muslim Brotherhood was banned in Egypt in 2013 after the overthrow of former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi. A conviction for belonging to the organisation can carry a sentence of up to life imprisonment.

Platform rejects accusations

Matsadaash and its co-founder, Abdelrahman Mansour, have denied the allegations. The platform has operated since 2018 and frequently examines statements made by officials and state institutions. Its Arabic name means “Don’t Believe It.”

Mansour is described as a prominent activist from Egypt’s 2011 uprising and is now based in New York.

The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights said the journalists reported torture after their arrests. Egypt’s Interior Ministry denied those allegations.

Rights groups call for release

Rights and press freedom organisations have condemned the arrests and called for the journalists to be released. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights said Egypt was holding 26 journalists in connection with their work following the latest arrests.

Egypt has faced longstanding criticism over restrictions on media activity. The case involving Matsadaash has drawn renewed attention to the treatment of independent journalists and fact-checking organisations in the country.