Egyptian Journalist Wael El-Ebrashi Faces Trial over Tax Bill Coverage

Strategic Insights -

Wael El-Ebrashi, editor-in-chief of the independent Sawt El-Umma newspaper, will stand trial on July 18 at the Giza Criminal Court for charges of inciting the public against the new tax bill. This comes amidst a backdrop of growing controversy over the proposed real estate property tax law, which has sparked widespread debate and public outcry. The case highlights the increasingly tense relationship between journalists and the government in Egypt, where freedom of expression is often restricted.

Key Takeaways:

  • El-Ebrashi is charged with inciting the public against the new tax bill, allegedly stirring up public opinion against the real estate property tax law.
  • The case against El-Ebrashi is seen as another example of the Egyptian government's crackdown on independent media and freedom of expression.
  • Journalist Samar Al-Dawy was also transferred to the criminal court for similar charges related to a press campaign against the tax bill.
  • El-Ebrashi has maintained that his newspaper presented the public's opinion in a journalistic and professional manner, dedicating pages to lawyers, constitutional law experts, politicians, intellectuals, and citizens to express their stance on the tax.
  • The real estate tax bill has been a matter of debate since its proposal in 2008, with widespread controversy and protests against its implementation in 2010.
  • The case has sparked concern among journalists and human rights activists, with Arabic Human Rights Information Network Director Gamal Eid stating that the reason behind the charges is "political not legal."
  • Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak promised to abolish jail terms for journalists in publishing cases in 2004, but this promise remains unfulfilled.

Statistics:

  • 90% of cases against journalists in Egypt are deemed "political not legal" by Arabic Human Rights Information Network Director Gamal Eid.
  • As of 2010, the real estate tax bill was set to be applied on residential and commercial properties, exempting houses and apartments valued at less than LE 500,000 from tax.
  • The ones worth LE 1 million will be taxed LE 660 annually.
  • Since President Mubarak's 2004 promise, several journalists have been taken to court and handed down prison sentences, with many suspended.

Sources:

  • Arabic Human Rights Information Network
  • Daily News Egypt 2009 (Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company)