Al Jazeera Media Network has said it is “saddened and deeply dismayed” by the death of journalist Mohamed Monir after contracting Covid-19 during his unwarranted imprisonment in Egypt.
He was arrested and charged of “spreading fake news” while being interviewed by Al Jazeera.
“Al Jazeera extends its sincerest condolences to the family of Mohamed Monir,” the network said in a statement.
“We reiterate the seriousness of the deteriorating health conditions in Egyptian prisons amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Accordingly, Al Jazeera is deeply concerned for the health and safety of all journalists, including our colleague Mahmoud Hussein, who has been detained for 1,300 days without trial in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons under extreme and inhumane conditions,” the statement noted. “Overcrowded Egyptian prisons are known for their unhygienic conditions, which during the current pandemic can pose an imminent threat to prisoners, ultimately endangering their lives and well-being.”
“I am extremely saddened by journalist Mohamed Monir’s death, having passed away a day post-release upon being infected by the coronavirus while in detention in grave conditions that we had previously warned the Egyptian authorities about,” Dr Mostefa Souag, acting director-general of Al Jazeera Media Network, said while referring to Al Jazeera’s previous communications with international bodies, highlighting the grave prison conditions endured by hundreds of journalists, including Mahmoud Hussein.
He added, “It is truly alarming that journalists are subjected to such inhumane conditions during the current pandemic, and hold the Egyptian government fully responsible for their well-being, safety and security. We urge the authorities to immediately release Mahmoud and all other unjustly imprisoned journalists.”
The Egyptian authorities arrested journalist Monir on June 15, 2020 after his appearance on Al Jazeera.
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