The Shura Council's Arab Affairs, Defense and National Security Committee prevented parliament reporters from attending the committee meeting on Thursday.
Atef Helmy information minister and Mohamed Ibrahim interior minister were scheduled to attend.
“The committee decided that in order for MPs to be able to speak freely about the situation, the journalists should not be allowed to attend,” said committee head Reda Fahmy, adding that regulations give MPs the right to hold closed committee meetings.
Addressing journalists, MP Mamdouh Ramzy said, “You write irresponsible words and transfer only what you find in line with your own desires, distorting our image before the people.”
Fahmy instructed the secretaries not to admit journalists, and said that a statement would be released outlining what was discussed at the meeting.
Journalists objected to the decision.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
