The International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors, media executives and journalists for press freedom, has vehemently criticized the weekend raid on the office of award-winning media organization, Mada Masr, and the detention of its editors.

In an open letter to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, IPI demanded that the government immediately put an end to its campaign of intimidating and harassing independent media organizations and arresting journalists.

“We find it extremely disturbing that your government is violating the core principles of democracy and showing complete disregard for the rule of law by engaging in a campaign to harass, intimidate and silence independent media organizations and journalists, who are critical of your administration”, IPI Executive Director Barbara Trionfi said in the letter. “The actions of your government to intimidate, harass and close down independent media, while arresting journalists and detaining them in inhumane conditions are highly deplorable.”

Urging the government to release all journalists in prison, the letter stated that the government should uphold the rule of law in Egypt and order the security forces to end harassment and intimidation of news organizations, including the highly respected Mada Masr.