IPI condemns the violence directed against journalists in the recent demonstrations in Egypt and calls for the release of arrested media personnel. Since Tuesday, during the largest anti-government protests Egypt has seen in several years, over 10 journalists have been beaten by security forces while others were detained. By Friday most Internet service across the country had been cut off, according to news reports.

Alison Bethel McKenzie, IPI’s acting director, has called for immediate steps to improve the situation. “These actions completely contravene the concept of media freedom. We call upon the government to stop all forms of media censorship and release all detained media personnel.”

The protests started on Tuesday following an online campaign calling for a national “Day of Anger” in the form of anti-government demonstrations. With protestors demanding President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation, the demonstrations are a part of a sentiment of unrest that is currently prevalent in the Middle East. At least seven people have been killed and around 1,000 arrested in clashes that have seen attacks on both domestic and international media personnel. Two journalists from the Associated Press (AP) and the Guardian’s Cairo correspondent were detained and then subsequently released.

On Friday, telecommunications operator Vodafone said that Egyptian authorities had instructed all mobile network providers to suspend services in certain areas of the country. The company said that it would act as instructed with the national authorities providing clarifications in due time.  Protesters had earlier promised that it would be a “Friday of Wrath” and witnesses have claimed that thousands are out in the streets protesting against the government.