Egypt: Egypt’s new Minister of State for Information, Diaa Rashwan, addressed the pressing challenges facing the country’s media sector, describing it as being in a “major crisis” that demands immediate reform. Rashwan committed to restructuring the media system while ensuring adherence to constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Rashwan made these statements during his inaugural weekly cabinet press conference following the latest government reshuffle. He emphasized that the focus would be on resolving structural issues within the media landscape and enhancing its role in serving the public and fostering transparency. Rashwan clarified that the exact title of his portfolio, whether Ministry of Information or Ministry of State for Information, is secondary to the priority of reforming the media environment and upholding constitutional provisions related to freedoms, publication, and the public’s right to know.
Rashwan assured that the ministry’s efforts would align with constitutional and legal frameworks, highlighting that the three mandated media bodies operate independently. He emphasized that neither the government nor the minister would interfere with their mandates. Plans are underway to convene separate meetings with the heads of these bodies, as well as with the Journalists’ Syndicate and the Media Professionals’ Syndicate, to coordinate and identify areas for integration.
Drawing on his experience as the former head of the Journalists’ Syndicate and his involvement in Egypt’s constitutional drafting committee, Rashwan noted that the media-related constitutional articles were proposed by journalists themselves to ensure freedom of opinion and expression. He acknowledged the deterioration of Egypt’s media scene, describing the crisis as one collectively created and experienced by all.
Rashwan pointed to the significance of digital media and social networking platforms in the current information landscape, emphasizing the need to manage them effectively to prevent misuse. He noted that directives from Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and a presidential mandate have allocated the necessary resources to bolster national media. Rashwan stated that transparency is the most effective means of combating misinformation and rumors, with executive mechanisms for this approach being finalized in collaboration with the cabinet.
Addressing allegations against some ministers in the newly formed government, Rashwan mentioned an ongoing plagiarism-related case involving Culture Minister Gihane Zaki, which is still before the Court of Cassation. The case involves accusations of infringement on a 2022 book by writer Soheir Abdel-Hamid. A lower court had previously ruled for the withdrawal of the contested book and financial compensation, while a defamation complaint by Zaki was dismissed.
Regarding Housing Minister Randa El-Menshawy, Rashwan described a past issue as an “unintentional mistake” corrected at the time, which did not constitute a criminal offense. This related to a 2017 inquiry by the Public Funds Prosecution concerning financial entitlements during her tenure under then Housing Minister Mostafa Madbouly. The case was resolved after the repayment of requested sums.
Rashwan affirmed the government’s commitment to support credible corruption claims with documented evidence, stating willingness to “join the plaintiff” if substantiated. He also underscored the importance of pluralism and constructive disagreement, asserting that differing opinions should not compromise national unity.