Egypt refutes torture claims by journalists from independent platform Matsadaash
Egypt's Interior Ministry on October 6 denied accusations that six journalists from the independent fact-checking platform Matsadaash were tortured or mistreated during detention. The ministry called the claims baseless and an attempt to evade charges. Lawyers for the journalists reported abuse including beatings and forced stripping. The arrests have drawn condemnation from press freedom groups.
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Egypt’s Interior Ministry denied on October 6 the allegations that six detained journalists from the independent fact-checking platform Matsadaash were tortured or mistreated in custody. The ministry described the accusations as “baseless” and an attempt by the journalists to evade charges against them.
Lawyers representing the journalists said most of them reported suffering various forms of torture, including beatings, forced stripping, and threats against their families during detention. Matsadaash is known for scrutinizing statements from government officials and state institutions.
Dozens of organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders, have condemned the arrests and called for the immediate release of the journalists. Egypt has faced longstanding criticism from press freedom groups over restrictions on media activity.