On October 13, 2010, the Egyptian government of President Hosni Mubarak cancelled all private media companies' broadcast permits. Companies were forced to apply for new, restrictive licenses through the state television agency. Critics speculated at the time that the new restrictions were meant to stifle dissent in the run-up to parliamentary elections in November 2010 and the presidential election scheduled for September 2011. Egypt has had a controversial history with media suppression, including the prosecution of newspaper editor Ibrahim Eissa. Widespread protests against authoritarian rule in Egypt began in January 2011 and ultimately resulted in the end of Mubarak's regime.

Egyptian coat of arms

Learn more about Egypt from the JURIST news archive.

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