Egypt's Press Syndicate elected on Friday a new head during its midterm internal elections, preceded by recommendations to release all jailed journalists.
Diaa Rashwan, who became head of the Syndicate in 2013, lost against Yehia Qallash by a difference of some 869 votes, the committee overseeing the elections said. Six seats in the syndicate's board, half the number of seats, were also elected on Friday.
During its general assembly ahead of the elections on Friday, the syndicate condemned violations faced by journalists during the past years, reported the state news agency MENA. It issued recommendations to press the authorities to investigate the death of over 10 journalists.
The syndicate also called for the "immediate release" of all jailed journalists.
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said in a letter addressed to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on March 9 it has independently verified the killing of at least 10 journalists since 2011, as well as the presence of at least 9 journalists behind bars "in relation to their work".
The Press Syndicate's midterm elections were initially due to be held on March 6; they were postponed until today for lack of quorum. Only 1009 journalists enrolled at the assembly had attended then, when holding the elections required the attendance of 4600 members, representing 50 percent plus one of the syndicate's members.
This round, however, required the attendance of 2400 members, which represents 25 percent plus one of the syndicate's members, as per the bylaws. Over 3220 members attended Friday's elections, the committee overseeing the elections said.
The Supreme Administrative Court overturned on March 4 a court ruling which halted the elections.
