The State of Egypt Today: Political Protests and Freedom of Press

On 22 November, thousands of protesters took to the streets when President Mohammad Morsi unilaterally granted himself sweeping powers to govern Egypt. He later rescinded some provisions of his decree but forced through a draft constitution and set a deadline for a popular referendum to enshrine it. Where is Egypt's political crisis heading? And who is in charge? VOMENA's Khalil Bendib put these questions to Cairo-based independent journalist Ahmad Shokr

Egyptian activists and journalists are mourning the passing of Al-Fajr reporter El-Husseini Abu Deif, who died from injuries sustained during last week's protests in Cairo. Journalists have taken to the streets in protest over systematic intimidation and harassment by Muslim Brotherhood supporters and their Salafi allies calling for “purification of media organizations.”

Over the weekend, more than two hundred media staff working for state-owned television channels marched against what they have described as “Islamist domination” of state media. This has been imposed by both the Morsi presidency and the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated minister of information, Salah Abdel-Maksoud. Several newspapers went on a one-day strike last week to protest the draft constitution, which they believe will adversely affect freedom of press and expression. Malihe Razazan spoke with Adel Iskandar about the way freedom of press is being affected by current events.