News from Civsy, based on generative AI tools and retrieval-augumented real time data searchEgyptian poet Galal El-Behairy remains imprisoned for his outspoken lyrics, highlighting the dangers artists face under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s regime. Arrested in 2018 for criticizing corruption, he has endured torture, harsh prison conditions, and prolonged detention. His case exemplifies Egypt’s escalating crackdown on artistic freedom. Despite censorship, artists like El-Behairy continue to resist, using their work to challenge repression and advocate for change.
The situation of Galal El-Behairy exemplifies the risks artists face when they challenge authoritarian regimes. El-Behairy's collaboration with musician Ramy Essam on the song "Balaha" in 2018 was a significant act of defiance, as the lyrics criticized corruption and the state of Egypt's economy. This led to his arrest, torture, and imprisonment on charges of insulting the military and spreading false news.
El-Behairy's Detention and Health
El-Behairy has been in detention since March 3, 2018. Despite completing a three-year prison sentence in July 2021, he remains in pretrial detention on new charges related to his lyrics and poetry. His detention has been repeatedly extended, with the latest renewal occurring in December 2024, as part of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 by the Supreme State Security Prosecution. His health has significantly deteriorated due to poor prison conditions and inadequate medical care. He has gone on hunger strikes multiple times to protest his prolonged detention, including a recent strike that began on September 5, 2023. On September 9, 2023, he survived a suicide attempt, highlighting the desperation and hopelessness he feels.
Artistic Censorship and Harassment in Egypt
Egypt, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, has witnessed a significant escalation in artistic censorship and harassment. The country's once vibrant cultural scene is now heavily surveilled, with artists facing severe restrictions on their freedom of expression. This article explores the challenges faced by Egyptian artists and the broader context of censorship and intimidation in Egypt.
The Crackdown on Artistic Freedom
Egypt's government has been systematically targeting artists through restrictive laws, heavy censorship, and shadowy extra-legal tactics. The machinery of repression includes anti-terrorism legislation, the Anti-Protest Law, and the Anti-Cybercrime Law, which are frequently used to silence dissenting voices. Women and LGBTQ+ individuals face heightened legal and societal backlash for tackling socially taboo topics. The Egyptian Musicians Union, largely seen as an extension of the regime, has banned genres like mahraganat for "indecency," further stifling artistic expression.
Recent Prosecutions
In recent weeks, Egyptian authorities have arbitrarily detained and referred for prosecution at least four critics of the government on charges stemming solely from their legitimate exercise of freedom of expression. These include two detained journalists and a researcher living in exile. The authorities have employed incommunicado detention, abusive pretrial detention, and unsubstantiated terrorism-related charges against the critics. For instance, Ashraf Omar, a satirical cartoonist, was arrested on July 22, 2024, for his work published in Al-Manassa, a rare independent media outlet. Omar was charged with spreading false news, misusing social media, and alleged ties to a terrorist group, reflecting the government's crackdown on satirical artists.
Street Art and Censorship
Egypt's nascent street art movement has been under pressure since its emergence. In 2014, a proposed draft law banning "abusive graffiti art" threatened to restrict artistic expression, with violators facing up to four years in prison or fines of up to 100,000 Egyptian pounds. Despite these challenges, street artists continue to use their work as a form of resistance. For instance, female activists have used graffiti to challenge sexual harassment, transforming public spaces into platforms for social change.
Hend Kheera, a pioneering graffiti artist, participated in an anti-sexual harassment campaign in 2011 by spraying the stencil "Warning! Don’t touch or castration awaits you!" in Mogamaa and around Tahrir Square during sit-ins. This provocative message sparked both outrage and admiration, underscoring the power of street art to challenge societal norms. Mira Shihadeh and Zeft also contributed to this movement, painting murals denouncing violent gang rapes against female protesters in 2013. Their work used street art to amplify calls for change and give women a voice in public spaces.
Mahraganat: A Controversial Genre
Mahraganat, which translates to "festivals," is a popular genre of Egyptian street music that emerged in the early 2000s. It combines elements of shaabi music, EDM, and hip-hop, characterized by heavy autotune use and raw lyrics. Despite its popularity, mahraganat has faced criticism from classical musicians and composers who view it as "musical chaos" that undermines public taste and morality. The Egyptian Musicians Union banned mahraganat singers from performing, citing "indecency" as the reason.
Recent Incidents and Censorship
In 2024, the 55th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair highlighted the extent of censorship in Egypt. Several publishing houses, including Tanmia and Al Kotob Khan, were excluded from participating without official reasons, despite fulfilling all necessary procedures. Books by writers like Anwar Al-Hawari were banned from display, and other titles were removed from shelves without explanation. This arbitrary censorship reflects the government's increasing control over cultural expression. (see more)
Additionally, in January 2024, composer Ahmed Hegazy was sentenced to six months in prison for “contempt of religion” after reciting verses of the Qur’an to a tune deemed inappropriate by authorities. This case underscores the government's strict enforcement of blasphemy laws, which are often used to suppress artistic expression.
Censorship and State Control
The Egyptian government has extended censorship to every aspect of cultural life. Festivals, concerts, and cultural events are routinely scrapped, and private spaces have been closed down. The foreign funding law criminalizes cultural institutions for accepting foreign grants, effectively ending the once-thriving independent scene. This corporatization of art has led to a sterile, depoliticized cultural landscape devoid of value or purpose.
Artistic Resistance and Public Spaces
Despite these challenges, Egyptian artists continue to innovate and push boundaries. Street art has been a powerful tool for addressing social issues like sexual harassment. However, these efforts often face societal backlash and legal challenges. The regime's intolerance towards any form of dissent has driven many artists into exile or forced them to self-censor their work.
Recent Initiatives and Performances
Art Cairo, one of the biggest art fairs in the MENA region, has become a platform for showcasing contemporary art despite the restrictive environment. However, even such events are not immune to censorship, with the government exerting significant control over what is displayed. Musicians Syndicate’s ban on mahraganat music and Moustafa Kamels, the head of the Syndicate, suspension of singer Hassan Shakosh for criticizing his treatment at Tunis airport further, illustrate the grip on artistic expression.
Harassment from Conservative Groups
The broader context suggests that artists, particularly those addressing sensitive topics like sexual harassment or challenging traditional norms, face societal backlash and potential legal repercussions. For instance, the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafist groups have been implicated in promoting a culture of sexual harassment and violence against women, using it as a tool to deter female participation in protests during their time in power. This environment of hostility towards women and dissenting voices can extend to artists who challenge these norms.
Still battling for creative freedom
Egyptian artists are at the forefront of a battle for creative freedom and expression. Despite harassment from the government and legal enforcement aimed at censorship, they continue to innovate and challenge societal norms. The work of artists like Galal El-Behairy and initiatives like those in the street art scene highlight the power of art to transform public spaces and promote cultural change. As Egypt navigates its complex political landscape, the resilience of its artistic community remains a hope for a more inclusive and expressive society.
Human Rights and Repression in Egypt
Beyond artistic censorship, Egypt's broader human rights landscape is marked by severe repression. The government has systematically detained and punished peaceful critics and activists, often equating dissent with terrorism. Thousands of detainees remain in dire conditions in lengthy pretrial detention or on sentences stemming from unjust trials. Civic space is severely curtailed, with independent organizations facing judicial and security harassment. Despite a national dialogue initiated by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, no significant policy reforms have been implemented. Egyptian authorities continue to arrest activists, including those participating in the dialogue.
Freedoms of Expression and Assembly
The Egyptian government continues its ruthless campaign to silence critics and crush freedom of expression. The authorities have detained and prosecuted dozens of protesters and activists participating in demonstrations, often charging them with terrorism-related offenses. Despite some releases of high-profile detainees, more than 4,500 people were arrested between April 2022 and September 2023, according to local rights defenders.
Sources:
Human Rights Watch: "Egypt: Spate of Free Speech Prosecutions"
Amnesty International: "Egypt: Repression intensifies ahead of human rights record review"
Freemuse: "Artists in Egypt: Caught in the Machinery of Repression"
Index on Censorship: "Egyptian artists declare war on sexual harassment"
AFTE Egypt: "Exclusion without giving reasons": About the 55th edition of Cairo International Book Fair
ABC News: "Egypt's wave of censorship takes aim at street music"
The New Arab: "Egypt to crack down on 'inappropriate' Ramadan TV series"
Human Rights Watch: "World Report 2024: Egypt"
