Around 200 Egyptian journalists defy editors on freedoms
The dispute is the latest episode in Egypt's struggle between authorities giving security precedence over nearly all else
About 200 Egyptian journalists have rejected a recent policy declaration by newspaper editors pledging near-blind support to the state and banning criticism of the police, army and judiciary in their publications.
The journalists said in a Sunday statement that fighting terrorism is a duty that has nothing to do with the "voluntary surrender" of the freedom of expression.
Last week's statement of government support by the editors came in response to President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi's call on Egyptians to rally behind him in the face of terrorism following the killing by suspected Islamic militants of 30 soldiers, the deadliest attack on the Egyptian army in decades.
The dispute is the latest episode in Egypt's struggle between authorities giving security precedence over nearly all else and a small but vocal pro-democracy camp.
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