Matsda2sh journalists tell prosecutors they were tortured and forced to record confessions

Most of the detained Matsda2sh journalists told prosecutors on October 4 that security officers had tortured or mistreated them and compelled them to read fabricated statements on camera. EIPR published the lawyers’ account on October 5; Mada Masr reported the same allegations.

The journalists described beatings, electric shocks, blindfolding and threats against themselves or relatives. Their lawyers asked prosecutors to investigate the officers involved and reject statements obtained during secret detention. At least one journalist was ordered to undergo a medical examination.

These are allegations entered into the prosecution record, as described by defence counsel—not findings from an independent investigation. EIPR says the underlying accusations relied on a security officer’s report portraying the platform’s social-media work as an attempt to create revolutionary unrest.

The appearance before prosecutors did not resolve access concerns. As of EIPR’s October 5 statement, relatives and lawyers still did not know the journalists’ detention locations, and counsel had been unable to meet them privately. The crucial next question is whether the medical findings and complaints receive independent investigation.