The Journalists Syndicate will convene to discuss restrictions and penalties imposed on reporters as part of the new counterterrorism law adopted by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi late Sunday.
Syndicate head Yehia Qallash told Al-Masry Al-Youm that he was going to convene with the syndicate’s board on Monday to prepare a response to the law’s stipulations concerning journalists.
The law stipulates fines between LE200,000-LE500,000 for journalists covering anti-terrorism operations and terrorist attacks who report information at odds with military statements. It stipulates a ban from practicing the profession for year maximum. A fine of LE20,000-LE100,000 for unlicensed coverage of terrorism-related trials is also involved.
These articles in the new law have drawn scathing criticisms from press freedoms advocates.
Qallash added that the syndicate would consider the document thoroughly before declaring its stance. He explained that the syndicate had called for removing penalties for journalists altogether, rather than to remove jail terms and adding fines.
Qallash said that the law, however, responded to their demand to limit penalties to reports clashing with military statements alone.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
