Congressman Al Green Condemns Reported Crackdown on Independent Journalism in Egypt, Calls for Release of Detained Journalists

(Washington, D.C.) - On Monday, November 9, 2026, Congressman Al Green expressed grave concern over reports from Amnesty International and other international human rights organizations regarding the detention of six Egyptian journalists associated with the independent investigative journalism platform Matsadaash, as well as recent legal actions against the independent Egyptian news outlet Mada Masr and its editor-in-chief, Lina Attalah.

According to information provided by Amnesty International and other human rights organizations, Egyptian security forces arrested six journalists associated with Matsadaash on September 28 and 29, 2026: Mohamed Ashraf Abu Emeira, Abdallah Qadry, Islam Barakat, Omar Helal, Mohamed Mahmoud and Mohamed Adel. Reports indicated that security officers confiscated electronic devices and that the journalists were subsequently held in undisclosed locations without access to their families or legal counsel for five to six days.

Amnesty International and the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) further reported allegations that the six journalists were subjected to torture and other forms of mistreatment, including efforts to coerce fabricated statements. According to EIPR, the journalists faced charges related to terrorism and the dissemination of false information, despite prosecutors reportedly failing to present evidence substantiating these allegations. All six journalists denied the charges against them.

Additionally, Amnesty International raised concerns regarding recent legal proceedings against Mada Masr, an independent Egyptian news organization, and its editor-in-chief, Lina Attalah. According to the information provided by their organization, on October 27, 2026, an Egyptian court ordered the closure of Mada Masr's website and imposed a fine of three million Egyptian pounds. The ruling is subject to appeal. Amnesty International further reported that Attalah faces a separate criminal trial scheduled for November 11, 2026, on charges related to allegedly spreading false information and operating a website without a license, with the possibility of imprisonment.

Congressman Al Green stated, "Based on the information provided to me, I join Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders, and other international human rights organizations in condemning these reported actions against independent journalists in Egypt. I call for the release of the six detained Matsadaash journalists and for the protection of the fundamental rights of Lina Attalah and all journalists seeking to report freely and independently."

"A free and independent press is fundamental to any society that claims to uphold democracy, justice, and the rule of law. Freedom of expression is not a privilege to be granted or withdrawn at the discretion of those in power. It is a fundamental human right that must be protected."

"I call upon the Egyptian authorities to address these serious allegations, ensure that the fundamental rights of these journalists are protected, and permit independent journalism to operate without fear of persecution. The allegations of torture and mistreatment must be independently investigated and those responsible must be held accountable."

"Let us be clear: No government should silence journalists merely for reporting information that those in power may find objectionable. Justice demands that freedom of expression, due process, and human dignity be respected and protected for all."