The Egyptian Musicians’ Syndicate’s investigation of singer Reda El Bahrawi after his July 2025 North Coast concert highlights the body’s growing influence over live performance in Egypt. With only vague references to unspecified “violations,” the case raises ongoing concerns about transparency, due process, and the impact of discretionary cultural regulation on artistic freedom.
Mohamed Ramadan faces a two-year prison sentence for releasing his hit “Number One, you halves” without Egypt’s required censorship permits, extending state control into music published on global platforms like YouTube. The conviction, though not yet enforced, sends a chilling signal to high-profile artists as authorities tighten oversight of digital creativity and blur the line between stardom and criminalisation.
The January 2025 arrest of journalist Ahmed Serag, following an interview with the wife of jailed cartoonist Ashraf Omar, has drawn sharp criticism from press freedom advocates. Charged with terrorism-related offenses after highlighting human rights abuses, Serag’s case exemplifies Egypt’s escalating crackdown on dissenting voices and independent journalism under President al-Sisi’s regime
Egyptian-Turkish poet Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi was deported from Lebanon to the UAE in early 2025, despite urgent warnings from human rights groups. Known for his politically charged poetry, Al-Qaradawi now faces potential torture and enforced disappearance. His case underscores growing regional threats to artistic freedom and expression, and raises serious questions about Lebanon’s role in enabling cross-border censorship.
EGYPT: The unexpected cancellation of Istinsakh’s private screening on April 7, 2025, has stirred major controversy in Egypt’s film industry. The sci-fi thriller, which tackles the societal impacts of artificial intelligence, was set to premiere publicly on April 9. While officials blame administrative delays, many suspect censorship, reigniting broader concerns about artistic freedom in Egypt's entertainment landscape. As of April 10, 2025, Istinsakh has yet to be release
EGYPT: Dr. Mabrouk Attia, a retired professor from Al-Azhar University, faces an investigation following controversial content in his Ramadan program on social media, "Kalam Mabrouk." The university's referral comes amid backlash for Attia’s discussions with Mahraganat singers and provocative statements on social issues. This marks the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the scholar, raising questions about Egypt’s approach to freedom of expression, the regulation of religious discourse, and the role of social media in public life.
Arrested in 2018 for criticizing corruption, Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy has endured torture, harsh prison conditions, and prolonged detention. His case exemplifies Egypt’s escalating crackdown on artistic freedom.
The Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression (AFTE) has condemned the General Egyptian Book Organization’s (GEBO) decision to bar ElMaraya for Culture and Arts from participating in the 2025 Cairo International Book Fair without providing any explanation
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I work carefully and imperceptibly below the surface when it comes to freedom of artistic expression. Deep down I stand by those who want to break it but remind them of realities above the surface. At the same time, the water becomes shallower. This is my duty as a producer.
(Faisal Kiwewa, Bayimba, Uganda.)
