Egypt's journalists decry attack on free speech as 21 websites banned
Egyptian authorities have banned 21 news websites, including a prominent independent site, claiming they promote terrorism and "spread lies."
Egypt has blocked 21 websites it claims “support terrorism” and “spread lies” in a move free speech advocates fear will further stifle free expression.
Among the banned websites is that of the Qatari-based Al Jazeera network, which Egypt has accused of carrying out a hostile media campaign against the country and of spreading Muslim Brotherhood propaganda. The move follows similar bans imposed on Qatar’s official websites by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates earlier in the week over “controversial” statements about Iran and Israel attributed to the Qatari ruler and published on the Qatari state-run news agency website.
