The authorities in Egypt raid Mada Masr—and reveal their fears

UNTIL LATEVPN November the staff at , an online newspaper, would sometimes wonder, only half in jest, why they had not been arrested. These are bleak times for Egypt’s press. No country, except for China and Turkey, locks up more journalists. A private-equity firm with links to the security services has snapped up once-popular newspapers and television stations. Most media outlets are now controlled by the state or its allies. The regime dictates headlines to servile editors.Founded in 2013, (which means “the scope of Egypt”) is a rare exception. It is the last big venue for free, critical journalism in Egypt. Although its website has been blocked in the country for the past two years, its content can still be perused using a virtual private network () or on Facebook. Authorities have not moved to shut it down, perhaps in part due to its prominence abroad. Published in Arabic and English, it is a vital resource for diplomats and analysts.