Egyptian prosecutors accuse entire Matsadaash newsroom of terrorism links

CAIRO, Egypt — Egyptian prosecutors have accused six journalists from independent fact-checking platform Matsadaash of terrorism-related offences, alleged links to the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood and receiving foreign funding to spread what prosecutors called false news.

The six journalists make up the platform’s entire newsroom. According to Matsadaash management and rights groups, they were arrested during raids across several Egyptian governorates on September 28 and 29. The six have not been identified by name in the information available.

Prosecutors outline allegations

Egyptian prosecutors alleged that the journalists worked for the Muslim Brotherhood and received financial support from abroad. Investigators reportedly accused them of receiving “monthly funding” in foreign currencies through transfers from a company owned by a Brotherhood member living overseas.

Prosecutors also alleged that Muslim Brotherhood leaders outside Egypt directed members to establish online platforms to circulate “rumours and false news and statements”, weaken confidence in state institutions and encourage demonstrations. They reportedly identified Matsadaash as one of the group’s media platforms operating from abroad.

After examining the social media accounts of two of the journalists, prosecutors said they found posts “supporting the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood group”. Prosecutors also cited alleged statements by defendants about publishing “false news about state institutions and their officials in preparation for bringing them down” and seeking to “highlight shortcomings” involving state officials.

The allegations have not been established in court. Matsadaash and its co-founder, Abdelrahman Mansour, have denied them.

Rights groups demand release

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

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

A conviction for belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood can carry a sentence of up to life imprisonment, according to the source report. The available information does not specify whether the six journalists have been formally charged, tried or released.

Platform has operated since 2018

Matsadaash, whose Arabic name means “Don’t Believe It”, has operated since 2018. The independent platform frequently examines statements made by officials and state bodies.

Mansour, who is based in New York, is described as a prominent activist from Egypt’s 2011 uprising. The Muslim Brotherhood was banned in Egypt in 2013 after the overthrow of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

Egypt has faced longstanding criticism over restrictions on media activity. The case involving Matsadaash has renewed concerns among rights and press freedom groups about the treatment of journalists and independent media organisations in the country.