Egyptian journalists plan a weekend protest in Cairo after six colleagues from the independent fact-checking platform Matsadaash were charged with terrorism offences, according to The Guardian.
The six journalists were arrested last week by Egyptian authorities, who accused them of operating without a license and producing false news on behalf of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, according to a statement from the authorities. Staff members from Matsadaash have alleged that detainees were tortured and coerced into confessions while in police custody.
The planned protest represents the second show of solidarity among Egyptian journalists in response to the arrests. The detention of the Matsadaash team marks the latest pressure on Egypt's independent media landscape. The platform operates as a fact-checking and investigative outlet.
Egyptian authorities have not publicly addressed the torture allegations reported by detainees' colleagues. The charges of terrorism offences carry potential for extended detention and prosecution under Egyptian law.
Press freedom advocates have criticized Egypt's track record on journalist detention and treatment in custody, though The Guardian excerpt does not detail specific international responses to this case.