Egyptian Journalist Rasha Qandeel Charged with ‘False News’ After Criticizing Army Spending
Egyptian journalist and former BBC Arabic presenter Rasha Qandeel has been charged with spreading "false news" following her recent reports critical of the country's military spending. The Supreme State Security Prosecution released Qandeel on the same day after she posted bail of 50,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately US$1,004).
Qandeel has come under fire in recent weeks from pro-government media outlets after publishing investigative pieces questioning Egypt’s arms purchases amid worsening economic conditions. She revealed to local outlet Al-Manassa that the charges stem from 31 citizen complaints filed over two weeks in May, all related to her previous reporting.
If convicted under Article 80(d) of the Egyptian Penal Code, Qandeel could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 500,000 Egyptian pounds, or both. The law imposes harsh penalties for disseminating what the state deems “false news” abroad.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the charges, calling them part of a broader pattern of state harassment targeting independent journalism. “Accusing Qandeel after questioning her journalistic integrity is another example of Egypt’s legal harassment and use of vague charges to silence independent voices,” said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah. “We urge Egyptian authorities to drop all charges against her and stop targeting independent journalism.”
Egypt continues to rank among the most repressive countries for press freedom, placing sixth-worst globally last year, with 17 journalists currently imprisoned.
The Egyptian Public Prosecutor’s Office has yet to respond to CPJ’s request for comment.
