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An Egyptian court postponed the retrial of Lina Attalah, editor-in-chief of prominent independent news outlet Mada Masr, until November 18.
Attalah faces charges of spreading false news and operating an unlicensed website in a prosecution that human rights organisations view as a critical barometer for press freedom in the Arab world’s most populous nation.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Attalah’s defence team petitioned to replace the presiding judge, citing his prior ruling against her in a separate case on October 27.
The judge adjourned the proceedings for one week to allow the Court of Appeals to rule on the recusal request.
The legal battle stems from a rapid October 27 session in which the same judge fined Attalah 3 million Egyptian pounds ($56,200) and ordered the closure of Mada Masr after a single hearing over licensing allegations.
Although Mada Masr and other independent outlets applied for permits under a 2018 media law, authorities never issued formal decisions on their applications.
Attalah’s lawyers criticised the October proceedings, saying the court denied their requests to review the case file and submit evidence, while appointing a state lawyer despite their objections.
Egypt’s Supreme Judicial Council dismissed allegations of unfairness, and an appellate court will review that verdict on November 25.
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The current retrial concerns a 2024 ruling that sentenced Attalah to one year in prison in absentia.
Attalah only discovered the conviction on October 27 as authorities released her following the website shutdown order.
While Egyptian officials have not responded to enquiries regarding Mada Masr, the government maintains that it supports free expression provided media outlets obey national laws and protect state security.
