Investigative journalist and researcher Ismail Alexandrani is one of 22 nominees for Reporters Without Borders (RSF)’s TV5 Monde Prize for Press Freedom.
The 32-year-old was arrested upon his arrival at Hurghada Airport in November and has been locked up since.
Before coming to Egypt, the expert’s research findings on Sinai’s affairs found that Islamic State affiliates have penetrated the ranks of the Egyptian army. He currently faces charges of “spreading false news aiming at damaging the national interest and disturbing the public peace” and joining the “terrorist organization” of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Several international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned Alexandrani’s arrest and called for his release.
Alexandrani competes among nine journalists, seven independent media outlets and nine representatives of citizen journalism from 19 countries for the annual prize.
RSF’s annual Press Freedom Prize has been drawing attention to the importance of freedom of information since 1992 by honoring journalists and media outlets that have made a noteworthy contribution to the defense or promotion of this fundamental freedom. According to the RSF website, each award comes with EUR 2,500 in prize money.
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