Tension and hostility in the relations between authorities and the press has reached unprecedented levels, the report read. AFTE referred to the incident in May when security forces stormed the Press Syndicate headquarters to arrest two journalists, as well as the trial of three syndicate leaders including the head of the syndicate Yehia Qalash. Two days following this summoning, the Ministry of Interior backtracked on the complaint it filed against Al-Balshy, instead stating that it appreciates the Press Syndicate and the important role of the press and journalism in defending Egypt. The journalists’ belongings were confiscated and they were later arrested from the headquarters of the Press Syndicate when security forces, for the first time, stormed the syndicate. The band members published satirical videos online, in which they commented on ongoing political events and leaders, including Al-Sisi.

Source: Daily News Egypt September 07, 2016 17:03 UTC