Egypt: Swathes of content creators arrested, Human Rights Watch condemns

Large numbers of content creators in Egypt have been arrested in recent months, a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) reveals, which flags serious concerns over freedom of speech in the North African country, according to Africanews, September 11.

This year alone, 29 people-including an underage child-have been arrested in Egypt over videos they published online, with authorities citing vague and unscrupulous charges of ‘indecency’ and breaching ‘family values.’

Social media content has notably been cracked down on in the country, with Human Rights Watch calling the charges “abusive” and strongly denouncing the prosecutions.

The content creators that HRW’s report draws upon were all arrested between late July and late August of 2025, with around 20 of the individuals being women and 1 child.

Through statements taken by Egyptian authorities in the Interior Ministry, other human rights organisations’ reports, and media reports, the HRW has published a detailed account of targeted takedowns of content creators. Among the published works that were deemed excessive, and a ‘violation of public morals’ by the Egyptian morality police were belly dancing videos from a number of young women.

HRW claims these content creators have since been banned from traveling, and have even seen their assets frozen, with the prosecutors in Egypt confirming on August 8 that at least 10 of the content creators in question have been handed down the vague charges listed above.

This latest behaviour from the state crosses the line on several key rights according to the NGO, including: Right to privacy, freedom of expression, and nondiscrimination. Amr Magdi of Human Rights Watch commented that “Egyptian authorities’ campaign against online content creators seems intended to quell the last vestige of space for free expression in the country.”

The criminal charges fall under Article 25 of Law No. 175 of 2018 on Cybercrime, with potential sentences extending from 6 months in prison to 3 years, or even costly fines.

“This is part of the government’s relentless attempt to criminalise all forms of expression that do not conform to its political or social views,” said Mr Magdi.

Freedom of speech continues to be a dangerous problem in Egypt, with activists, political prisoners, and content creators regularly facing disappearances, discrimination, jail time, or even death for their opposing views to the state or government figures.

Egypt’s attempts to boost its image and its economy internationally, defend its interests, or project power will continue to fall short and even be damaging if they refuse to honour their obligations to uphold the human rights of their citizens. It remains to be seen whether or not the country will take this position on board; however, if their actions are to be taken at face value, this outcome appears to be a very long way off.

Africanews, Human Rights Watch, Maghrebi.org.