The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights on Wednesday issued a report on the status of the freedom of the press and media since the breakout of the 25 January revolution.
The report, titled "Intellectual terrorism and the return of the policy of muzzling," said violations on freedom of expression increased during that period and added that reporters and bloggers were mistreated and assaulted.
The report said there were 212 incidents when freedom of expression was violated and 109 assaults on reporters and bloggers.
Forty-eight cases were filed against reporters or media professionals over issues related to freedom of expression, the report said.
Meanwhile, Hafez Abu Seada, the head of the organization, called for abolishing the prison penalty for reporters in publishing related cases and for issuing a code of ethics to regulate the performance of the media and the press.
He also called for modernizing the administrative and financial structures of the media to prevent corruption. Abu Seada also urged President Mohamed Morsy and his government to take steps to bolster press freedom.
He called for the adoption of procedures ensuring the safety of media professionals and reporters, particularly those who voice opinions opposed to those of the religious wave.
Edited translation from MENA
