IFJ Demands Thorough and impartial Investigation Into Murder of Egyptian Journalist

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called on Egyptian authorities to ensure that a thorough and transparent investigation is immediately carried out into the murder of journalist, Mayada Ashraf, last Friday, 28 March. According to her employer, private Egyptian newspaper Al-Dustour, Ashraf was shot while covering clashes between Muslim Brotherhood supporters and Egyptian security forces in eastern Cairo. She was among three people killed in the clashes which followed the decision by Egyptian army chief, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, to resign from the military and run for president. It is unclear who was responsible for the murder, but opposing groups - those supporting the army, and those supportive of the Muslim Brotherhood - have blamed each other for the killing. The IFJ has demanded that the Egyptian government carries out an independent investigation into Ashraf’s death to ensure that the truth is told, while also appealing for her colleague, who was witness to the shooting, to be guaranteed full protection during the investigations. “We express our deepest condolences to the family of our colleague Mayada Ashraf at this incredibly difficult time,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. “We call on Egyptian authorities to carry out an in depth and impartial investigation into this appalling incident and to ensure that no stone is left unturned and any witnesses receive full support and protection. “This is not about the political blame game or settling political scores, it is about ensuring that press freedom is upheld and making sure that the perpetrators of this brutal murder face the full weight of justice for their crime.” For more information, please contact IFJ on +32 2 235 22 17 The IFJ represents more than 600 000 journalists in 134