CAIRO: Egypt has freed Al-Jazeera journalist Mahmoud Hussein, a security source said Friday, after four years in jail without trial following the end last month of a rift between the two Arab states.
Hussein, an Egyptian national who had been imprisoned since December 23, 2016, was released on Thursday night, the Egyptian security source told AFP without elaborating.
But Gamal Eid, head of the Arab Network for Human Rights Information, said that while the decision to release Hussein had been taken, “he has still not returned home and is still being held.”
The 54-year-old was detained in Cairo when he returned for a family holiday, and was accused of incitement against state institutions and spreading false news.
Qatar’s Al-Jazeera – which has run a daily campaign calling for his liberation – did not immediately confirm his release. It has repeatedly said he was being held “without formal charges nor trial.”
Hussein’s reported release comes two weeks after Egypt and Qatar restored ties, following a three-year Saudi-led freeze on relations with Doha.
Egypt, along with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, followed the lead of Gulf powerhouse Saudi Arabia and cut ties with Qatar in June 2017, alleging it backed radical Islamist groups and was too close to Riyadh’s rival Iran – claims Doha denied.
Ties were restored following a Gulf summit held in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia last month.
“Releasing Hussein could indicate a sign of goodwill from Cairo to Al Jazeera that it wants a thaw in its relations with the news channel,” said King’s College London assistant professor Andreas Krieg.
“But overall this is more about polishing its terrible human rights record a bit vis-a-vis the (US President Joe) Biden administration,” he said.
“The new tone and priorities in Washington really created fears in Egypt that America will sever relations.”
Egyptian analyst Amr El-Shobaki said Hussein’s release could be linked to rumored plans to review of the status of prisoners in the country.
“There are those ... who believe there should be a change concerning prisoners held in cases related to freedom of expression,” particularly in light of the new US administration, he said.
In May 2019 prosecutors ordered Hussein be released, but a week later he was slapped with another set of charges and ordered to stay in detention.
Al-Jazeera was caught up in a spat between Cairo and Doha after the 2013 military ouster of Egypt’s Islamist president Mohammed Morsi, who was backed by Qatar.
Cairo considered it a mouthpiece for Morsi’s outlawed Muslim Brotherhood movement, and access to its website has been blocked in Egypt since 2017.
“For Egypt, Al Jazeera remains the most important nuisance in the relationship with Qatar,” said Krieg.
After Morsi’s ouster, authorities arrested three Al-Jazeera journalists, including Australian Peter Greste, provoking international condemnation.
Faced with accusations similar to those levelled against Hussein, they were released in 2015 after receiving pardons from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
El-Sisi’s government is regularly accused of crushing all forms of dissent and repressing political opponents.
Under his rule, authorities have jailed thousands of Morsi’s Islamist supporters as well as liberal and secular activists, including popular bloggers, actors, singers and journalists.
The Committee to Protect Journalists had said that as of December 2020, at least 27 journalists were imprisoned in Egypt in relation to their work, including several from Al-Jazeera.
Analysts also linked Hussein’s release to Egyptian hopes of wooing investment.
“It may be purely random timing. But it wouldn’t be surprising if the Egyptian government sought ways to remove barriers to ever greater Qatari investment,” said David Roberts of King’s College London.
Tobias Borck of the Royal United Services Institute noted that the day after the Gulf summit renewing ties with Doha, a Qatari delegation was in Cairo for the inauguration of a Qatari-owned hotel.
“I am not sure to what extent this particular move is part of a thawing in relations,” said Borck.
“But it is rather obvious that Cairo and Doha have been in touch for a while – the opening of the $1 billion St. Regis in Cairo the day after the Al-Ula Summit made that pretty clear.”
Egypt frees Jazeera journalist after Qatar thaw
https://arab.news/mqyb3
Egypt frees Jazeera journalist after Qatar thaw
- The 54-year-old was detained in Cairo when he returned for a family holiday
15 media workers killed in Gaza 2025: Palestinian Journalists Syndicate
- Syndicate’s latest report documents rise in Israeli arrests, threats, harassment of journalists
LONDON: At least 15 media workers have been killed in Gaza since the start of 2025, according to a new report released by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate.
The report, published over the weekend by the syndicate’s Freedoms Committee, which monitors Israeli violations against journalists, highlighted the continued direct targeting of media workers.
Seven journalists were killed in January and eight in March, the report stated.
In addition, family members of 17 journalists were killed, while 12 reporters’ homes were destroyed by rocket and shell attacks, with 11 injured in the assaults.
The report noted that violence against media crews extended beyond fatal attacks. It documented the arrest of 15 journalists, either at their homes or while on assignment. Some were released within hours or days, while others remain in detention.
The syndicate also recorded 49 death threats issued against journalists, many of whom were warned to evacuate the areas they were covering.
Legal harassment intensified as well, with the report citing over 10 cases in which journalists — mostly from the West Bank-based Al-Quds newspaper — were summoned for interrogation and banned from reporting near Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem’s Old City.
In the occupied West Bank, approximately 117 journalists faced physical assaults, repression, or reporting bans, particularly in Jenin and Jerusalem. The committee also documented 16 cases of work equipment being confiscated or destroyed.
The violence against journalists comes amid a renewed Israeli military campaign in Gaza following the collapse of a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Israeli forces have intensified their offensive, cutting off vital supplies to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, leaving the enclave on the brink of famine.
Israel’s actions are now the subject of hearings at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, where Tel Aviv faces accusations of violating international law by restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The humanitarian toll has been devastating.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 61,700 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its offensive on Oct. 7, 2023. More than 14,000 others are missing and presumed dead, with civilians making up the vast majority of casualties.
Washington-based press watchdog, the Committee to Protect Journalists, has also raised alarm over the scale of media worker deaths, reporting that at least 176 journalists — almost all Palestinian — have been killed since Israel launched its assault on the Occupied Territories.
Al Majalla sets new benchmark for regional visual journalism with 13 wins at design awards
- Arab News’ sister publication received 13 international honors at the Society of News Design’s 46th Best of News Design Creative Competition, including a prestigious Bronze Medal
RIYADH: Al Majalla has earned 13 international honors at the Society of News Design’s (SND) 46th Best of News Design Creative Competition, including a prestigious Bronze Medal.
The awards, judged by a global panel of 42 visual journalists, recognize the most outstanding journalism and design work published worldwide in 2024. Nearly 5,000 entries were submitted to the 46th annual creative competition, with Al Majalla’s work honored alongside leading international titles such as The New York Times, Bloomberg, Reuters, and National Geographic.
Among the honors, Al Majalla received a Bronze Medal — a distinction awarded to visual storytelling that goes “beyond excellence,” demonstrating an elevated level of aesthetic execution, creativity, or degree of difficulty. The recognition was granted for a body of work focused on the special topic of conflict in the Middle East.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to credible, in-depth journalism, and to presenting it in a way that resonates with global audiences,” said Al Majalla Editor-in-Chief Ibrahim Hamidi. “This is just one step in our broader transformation journey — one that aims to center thoughtful reporting, bold editorial choices, and design-led storytelling at the core of our work.”
In addition to the Bronze Medal, Al Majalla received 12 Awards of Excellence across categories including page design, illustration, animation, and special topics such as elections and drug-related issues in the Arab world. These awards are reserved for work that pushes the boundaries of traditional media through daring, innovative storytelling.
“This is a recognition of the collaborative energy and bold thinking our team has brought to the table,” said Creative Director Sara Loane. “We’re reimagining how Arab journalism can look and feel — modern, intentional, and visually impactful.”
This is a standout moment that reflects not only creative excellence but also the momentum behind Al Majalla’s editorial evolution. It underscores Al Majalla’s place in SRMG’s wider digital evolution, where innovation and substance go hand in hand to redefine how journalism engages and endures.
Tortoise Media to relaunch Observer this weekend
- World’s oldest Sunday paper to become company’s flagship brand
- Observer will not be ‘another daily newspaper just on the seventh day of the week,’ says Tortoise founder James Harding
LONDON: Tortoise Media is set to publish its first edition of The Observer this weekend, following the formal completion of its acquisition of the 234-year-old Sunday newspaper from Guardian Media Group.
A dedicated Observer website will launch on Friday, with the first in-house print edition under Tortoise’s ownership hitting newsstands on Sunday. The relaunch also marks a return to print for Tortoise founder James Harding, who has formerly been editor of The Times, director of BBC News, and a journalist at the Financial Times.
“The world’s oldest Sunday paper is also going to be the newest. You’ll see the paper will change, but change gradually,” Harding told the Financial Times.
The Observer will become Tortoise Media’s flagship brand, while the Tortoise name will be retained as a sub-brand for long-form investigations and other digital content.
The historic Sunday paper, renowned for its investigative reporting, international coverage, and analysis, has long played a prominent role in covering major global events, including the Middle East. It took a bold editorial stance during the Suez Crisis, when then-editor David Astor criticized the British-French-Israeli invasion of Egypt. It also distinguished itself with coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Iraq War — including early exposure of faulty intelligence on weapons of mass destruction — and British complicity in torture during the War on Terror.
The new Observer website will focus on “making sense of the headlines” rather than competing with rolling news outlets like the BBC or The Guardian, Tortoise’s digital editor Basia Cummings said in a recent interview.
“But news, culture and style are the main pillars of our newsroom,” Cummings added, noting that the publication would maintain its “investigative, internationalist” editorial identity, alongside staples such as the Observer New Review, Observer Magazine, and Observer Food Monthly.
The digital offering will include a daily email newsletter and, later this year, a slate of new podcasts. Events and festivals — part of Tortoise’s existing engagement model — are also planned.
The new website is an “initial version.” A full relaunch, including a mobile app and paywall, is expected in the coming months. Until then, content will be free to access as part of a first-party data strategy.
The relaunch comes as Tortoise looks to strengthen its position in the British and international media landscape. According to the Financial Times, British insurance tycoon Sir Clive Cowdery — founder of the Resolution Foundation and publisher of Prospect magazine — has agreed to join the Tortoise board and invest in the venture.
Although Tortoise has incurred financial losses of around £3 million, the company has pledged to invest £25 million into The Observer. Concerns about the financial stability of the loss-making startup have been raised by journalists at both titles, but new funds are expected from backers including South African businessman and Labour Party donor Gary Lubner, and Standard Investments, part of the US-based Standard Industries group.
As part of the deal, the Guardian Media Group’s owner, The Scott Trust, has taken a 9 percent stake in Tortoise, following a £5 million commitment.
“I don’t think that it makes sense for The Observer to be another daily newspaper, just on the seventh day of the week,” Harding said. “We’re not in the business of being a breaking news service; we want to understand what’s driving the news.”
Israeli Foreign Ministry backtracks on message of condolence over Pope Francis’ death
- Ministry ordered removal of post hours after it was published, citing ‘error’
- Move appears to be tied to outspoken criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, West Bank
LONDON: Israel’s Foreign Ministry has backtracked on a message of condolence shared on social media following the death of Pope Francis, deleting the post just hours after it was published.
The message, which appeared on the official X accounts of several Israeli embassies around the world, read: “Rest in peace, Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing.” It was accompanied by an image of the pontiff at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the holiest site for Jewish people.
The Foreign Ministry later ordered the post to be taken down and instructed ambassadors not to sign books of condolence at Vatican missions worldwide, according to Israeli media reports.
The reversal reportedly sparked frustration among diplomats, especially in predominantly Catholic countries, and prompted internal criticism of the ministry’s leadership.
Raphael Schutz, Israel’s former ambassador to the Vatican, said: “I think the decision is a mistake. We shouldn’t keep score like this after someone’s death.”
Schutz and other diplomats argued that retracting condolences risked damaging Israel’s image among the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
While the Foreign Ministry said the original post was published “in error,” the decision to remove it appears tied to Pope Francis’ recent criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
The pope, who died on Monday aged 88 after suffering a stroke and heart failure, had emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
I send my deepest condolences to the Christian world and especially the Christian communities in Israel - the Holy Land - on the loss of their great spiritual father, His Holiness Pope Francis. A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the…
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) April 21, 2025
In his final Easter message he had repeated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and described the humanitarian situation there as “dramatic and deplorable.”
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa said that the late pope “was very close to the community of Gaza, the parish of Gaza.”
Pope Francis said of Israel’s actions in Gaza in November 2023: “This is not war; this is terrorism.” His remark drew sharp criticism from Israeli officials and media, including an editorial in The Jerusalem Post accusing him of offering “unconditional support for Hamas.”
Aside from a message of condolence from President Isaac Herzog, who expressed the hope that the pope’s memory would “inspire acts of kindness and hope for humanity,” Israeli leaders have remained largely silent. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar did not issue any public statement or social media posts.
The decision not to engage was met with criticism from Israeli commentators and members of the public, who argued that it did not reflect the views of most Israelis.
Political and religious leaders from across the world have expressed their condolences. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent official messages mourning the death of the head of the Vatican City State.
Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years, will be laid to rest in Rome on Saturday. Leaders from across the world, including the Arab region, are expected to attend. It remains unclear whether Israel will send an official delegation.
SRMG Media Solutions, Veyron ink deal to drive regional ad growth
- The partnership allows Veyron Marketing’s clients to tap into SMS’s advertising offerings
- Agreement is underpinned by a shared vision to advance the region’s marketing ecosystem, companies say
RIYADH: SRMG Media Solutions (SMS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Veyron Marketing, a leading media buying and marketing agency in Saudi Arabia and a subsidiary of Naif Alrajhi Investment. This strategic alignment aims to elevate the regional media and marketing landscape by enabling Veyron Marketing’s clients to access SMS’s dynamic portfolio of advertising solutions, including innovative digital formats, branded content, and experiential advertising.
As a next-generation, data-driven media solutions company, SMS delivers innovative, results-focused advertising strategies. By utilizing proprietary first-party data, advanced AdTech solutions and AI-driven audience segmentation, SMS creates personalized campaigns that drive growth, innovation and profitability. As the exclusive media partner for SRMG’s prestigious brands, SMS manages a distinguished media portfolio that includes Asharq Al-Awsat, Asharq News, Asharq Business with Bloomberg, Al Eqtisadiah, Akhbaar24, Arab News, Hia, Sayidaty, Billboard Arabia, Manga Arabia and thmanyah. With a global reach of more than 170 million users, SMS delivers engaging content across a diverse range of platforms, including digital and social media, websites, apps, newsletters, TV, audio channels, podcasts, print, and experiential IPs.
Veyron Marketing has built a strong reputation for its innovative marketing strategies and expertise in media planning and buying. This MoU comes at a pivotal time as both SMS and Veyron continue their growth trajectories. Through this partnership, SMS will extend its footprint into traditional media formats, a key strength of Veyron’s offering, enabling more holistic, 360-degree media solutions for brands and advertisers.
The agreement is underpinned by a shared vision to advance the region’s marketing ecosystem by fostering innovation, expanding digital capabilities, and unlocking new commercial opportunities. Both SMS and Veyron bring a deep understanding of the Saudi market, complemented by extensive global reach, positioning them to drive long-term value for advertisers.
Ziad Moussa, Managing Director of SMS, stated: “This MoU represents a significant step forward in our mission to transform the media and marketing landscape. By combining our respective strengths—Veyron’s local expertise and our global reach—we are poised to deliver integrated, high-impact campaigns that drive growth and innovation across the Kingdom and the region.”
Mohammed Al Esmail, Managing Director at Veyron Marketing, added: “Our alignment with SMS opens up powerful new opportunities for our clients. By integrating our traditional media strength with SMS’s advanced digital and content capabilities, we are enabling advertisers to connect with audiences through more meaningful, data-driven, and multi-platform strategies.”
With this strategic MoU, SMS reinforces its commitment to redefining media and advertising in the MENA region and beyond. To learn more about how SMS can transform your advertising strategy, visit https://srmgms.com or contact partner@srmgms.com.
