{"id":3980,"date":"2025-02-28T01:59:41","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T01:59:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/egyptianforum.org\/?p=3980"},"modified":"2025-03-03T02:00:40","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T02:00:40","slug":"joint-statement-the-blocking-of-zawia-3-is-a-serious-escalation-in-egypts-restrictions-on-press-freedom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/egyptianforum.org\/en\/joint-statement-the-blocking-of-zawia-3-is-a-serious-escalation-in-egypts-restrictions-on-press-freedom\/","title":{"rendered":"Joint Statement: The Blocking of Zawia 3 is a Serious Escalation in Egypt\u2019s Restrictions on Press Freedom"},"content":{"rendered":"

The undersigned human rights organizations and media outlets express our deep concern about the Egyptian authorities' decision to <\/span>block Zawia 3<\/span><\/a>, an independent media platform known for its critical reporting and commitment to journalistic integrity. This action is part of a broader pattern of restrictions on press freedom and digital rights in Egypt, where independent media outlets, journalists, and human rights defenders face increasing censorship, legal threats, and intimidation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Zawia 3<\/span><\/a> has provided an essential platform for in-depth reporting on political, social, environmental, and human rights issues, offering perspectives often absent from mainstream media. The decision to block it reflects a broader strategy to limit access to independent news and information, depriving the Egyptian public of their right to a free and diverse press. <\/span>Over 500 <\/span><\/a>news and human rights websites have been <\/span>blocked in recent years<\/span><\/a>, alongside ongoing efforts to control and <\/span>restrict independent journalism <\/span><\/a>through legal and administrative measures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Press freedom is a cornerstone of any democratic society and is protected under Egypt\u2019s Constitution as well as international human rights treaties to which Egypt is a party, including Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). <\/span>Blocking independent media<\/span><\/a> violates these commitments and undermines journalists' ability to work freely and citizens' capacity to stay informed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The use of <\/span>technical censorship methods<\/span><\/a>, such as <\/span>Reset Attacks<\/span><\/a>, to obstruct access to news websites is a concerning development that further restricts public access to independent reporting and online spaces for dialogue. These measures contribute to a climate of self-censorship, fear, and restricted civic engagement, ultimately weakening public discourse and transparency.<\/span><\/p>\n

We call on the Egyptian government to take immediate steps to uphold press freedom and digital rights, including:<\/b><\/p>\n