Egyptian Ministry of State for Information and Digital News Outlets Ban Photography at Citizen Funerals

Egypt’s Ministry of State for Information, alongside editors-in-chief of licensed digital news outlets in Egypt unanimously approved a total ban on photographing citizen funerals and condolence gatherings on Monday, 21 September.

The joint resolution was announced during a meeting chaired by Diaa Rashwan, Minister of State for Information, at the ministry’s headquarters in Cairo. Editors agreed to hold colleagues who violate this rule accountable, even if the photographs are published on personal social media accounts. 

During the meeting, Rashwan urged the digital news platforms to establish a unified representative body. He explained that this entity should represent the outlets as institutions rather than individuals, allowing them to discuss common concerns and speak with a single voice. Rashwan suggested this could operate similarly to the Chamber of Cinema Industry, which was created in 1947.

Participating editors outlined several operational challenges facing digital journalism during the discussions. These obstacles mentioned included a lack of information flowing from state ministries, as well as official spokespersons failing to answer press inquiries. The editors noted that these barriers force outlets to rely on unverified sources, making it harder to combat the spread of false news on social media platforms.

Rashwan emphasized that the state is currently working to expedite a freedom of information law to ensure citizens can access facts and official data. He added that the Ministry will take legal action against social media users who violate the constitutional rights of individuals, including invading personal privacy, spreading harmful rumors, undermining family unity and threatening the stability of the Egyptian family.

Monday’s meeting was the seventh in a series of discussions held by Rashwan with various media entities, including the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR), the National Press Authority (NPA), and the National Media Authority (NMA). These preparatory discussions aim to address challenges facing the Egyptian press ahead of the first national media conference directed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, which is scheduled for December of the current year.