Accusing international press of ‘smear campaigns’, foreign ministry sets up website to hit back at critical coverage. Mada Masr reports
This would be a tragic comedy if not for the fact that Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi signed a new law that would jail reporters for broadcasting or publishing information that contradicts the official government line.
The law, which rights groups say will be used to crush dissent, will see journalists and news organisations fined a minimum of $25,000 if they publish information contradicting the government's official line.
Critics say the steep fines will shut down small newspapers and will deter larger ones from independently reporting on attacks and operations against armed fighters.
Under the new bill, those who lead what the government considers "terrorist organisations" will receive a mandatory death sentence; special courts, which will be closed to the public, will be set up to expedite terrorism trials, and the government will expand its surveillance powers.
From the Guardian
Launched this week under the name Egypt MFA Blog: Egypt Connects, the blog aims to create an “informal platform” for those interested in the country’s foreign policy, according to Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. He said it would allow officials, diplomats, scholars, academics, writers and thinkers to exchange opinions.
Another of its functions will be to correct alleged misconceptions about the situation in Egypt to the international community, Shoukry said.
“It provides a tool to supplement formal channels of information and to circumvent the labyrinthine editorial policies of the mainstream international media. The aim is to provide a more objective narrative of events in Egypt for those who seek more than just the partial truth,” Shoukry wrote in welcome note on the blog.
Nothing like having a Ministry of Truth
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