From Drop Site News · · 1m 50s
Egyptian Journalist Fights for Media Freedom
Lina Attalah, co-founder of Egypt's Mada Masr, faces court shutdown after 13 years of independent journalism.
In brief
Lina Attalah, co-founder of Egypt's Mada Masr, faces court shutdown after 13 years of independent journalism. Egyptian journalist Lina Attalah fights to keep Mada Masr operational amid legal battles over media licensing. Originally reported by Drop Site News.
Court Hearing for Mada Masr
Lina Attalah stood before a judge in Cairo on October 27, 2026, facing charges of running a website without a license.
Sixth Legal Challenge
Attalah had faced prosecutorial questioning six times over the last few years before this court hearing.
Courtroom Rejection
The judge rejected all defense requests, including time to prepare a defense and summon witnesses.
Shut Down Order
Mada Masr was ordered shut down with a 3 million Egyptian pounds fine after seven hours in custody.
Media Licensing Law
Egypt passed a media law in 2018 requiring Mada Masr to get a license, but the application was ignored for years.
Failed Licensing Attempts
Mada Masr applied twice for a license under the law but received no response despite a 90-day obligation.
2022 License Rejection
In 2022, Mada Masr learned their license was rejected without explanation during an interrogation.
Legal Battle Continues
Mada Masr contested the license rejection at the State Council but received no response since 2023.
13 Years of Journalism
Mada Masr was founded in 2013 by journalists in Cairo during political turmoil after President al-Sisi took power.
Journalism as Political Space
Mada Masr created a space for independent journalism to resist political cancellation and keep public engagement alive.
2024 Conviction
Attalah was convicted in absentia in 2024 on charges of publishing false news and running a website without a license.
Next Court Date
Mada Masr plans to return to court on November 11, 2026, to push for defense statements and constitutional rights.
What matters most
Egyptian journalist Lina Attalah fights to keep Mada Masr operational amid legal battles over media licensing.
