Egypt’s Journalist Sayed Saber Detained Over Social Media Posts

December 1, 2024 – Egypt –

Prominent Egyptian journalist and satirist Sayed Saber was forcibly taken from his home by state security forces and held overnight at an undisclosed location before appearing before the Supreme State Security Prosecution in Cairo the following morning. Authorities have ordered a 15‑day detention, ostensibly to investigate his recent social media posts that sharply criticized Egypt’s military rule, describing it as “fascism”.

Saber, an established journalist and author known for his satirical tone, is also affiliated with the Al-Karama Party, carrying on the Nasser-era Arab nationalist and socialist legacy. While formal charges have not been publicly clarified, rights groups suggest they likely include “misuse of social media,” “spreading false news,” and possible “terrorism-related” allegations—a charge commonly used in Egypt to stifle dissent.

International watchdogs, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the New Arab, denounced Saber’s arrest as part of a broader, escalating crackdown. CPJ’s interim MENA coordinator, Yeganeh Rezaian, issued a statement calling for his immediate release without charge, pointing out that at least six other journalists were jailed earlier in 2024 for similar reasons. His detention contributes to a troubling total of around 24 journalists currently in prison, with 16 held without fair trial, according to reports.

Human rights groups also highlighted a pattern of authoritarian repression: arbitrary arrests, pretrial detentions extended through repeated prosecutorial orders, legal harassment, and denials of medical care—Saber himself reportedly suffers from serious chronic conditions and heart surgery recovery.

Saber’s case fits into a wider context of internet and media censorship in Egypt: any social media user with over 5,000 followers is treated as a journalist and subject to press laws, while broad cybercrime and blasphemy statutes are frequently invoked against critics

Reference –

Egypt jails journalist Sayed Saber after recent social media posts

https://www.newarab.com/news/egypt-jails-journalist-sayed-saber-over-social-media-posts