The military prosecution unit ordered Monday the detention of investigative journalist and leading human rights activist Hossam Bahgat for four days on charges of “publishing false news” and “publishing information that endangers the public well-being”, reported the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights.
The office of the military spokesperson was contacted, but no comment or clarification was given.
Bahgat, a contributor to Mada Masr independent news website, was summoned by the Military Intelligence for questioning Sunday morning.
According to several human rights organisations, he is charged with “publishing statements that aim to endanger societal peace” and “spreading rumours”. The mentioned charges are often used to legally prosecute journalists and writers.
Bahgat had published several investigative reports and provides a daily roundup of news stories from different newspapers. He also founded local NGO Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) in 2002.
More updates to follow
