21 journalists assaulted, 2 killed in Egypt last month

The Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression reports 21 cases of assault against journalists including two killed between 26 June - 27 July 2013 since mass demonstrations began against ousted president Mohamed Morsi. The report listed destruction or theft of the journalists' equipment, dragging, beatings and murder. Assaults were mainly carried out by security forces or demonstrators supporting ousted president Mohamed Morsi. Most assaults against journalists reported by the association took place while covering clashes between Morsi opponents and supporters or during clashes between Morsi supporters and security forces. Several journalists were attacked while covering pro-Morsi sit-ins in Nasr City’s Rabaa Al-Adawiya Square and Giza’s Nahda Square. The two killed included the 21-year-old American freelancer, Andrew Pochter, who was stabbed by unknown assailants who the report claims were supporters of the ousted president, and the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice newspaper journalist, Ahmed Assem who was killed by security forces by a bullet to the head, according to the same report. Journalists have been the target of attacks since the January 25 Revolution in 2011 under the rule of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and under Morsi. Several journalists have also been sued and may face prison sentences. Interim President Adly Mansour vowed last month to end the imprisonment of journalists. The maximum penalty for publishing infractions will now be a fine. Source: english.ahram