Egypt publishes phone numbers for citizens to report 'media lies'

Egyptian authorities have published a list of phone numbers for citizens to report false news and rumours being spread by the media about the security situation in the country.

A statement released by the public prosecution said the move attempts to control deliberate lies and rumours published and broadcast on various media platforms including social media.

Citizens have been invited to send their personal details and complaints via text message and WhatsApp in the latest attempt to control the public discourse in the lead up to the elections.

The government has already barred journalists from conducting polls, asking Egyptians who they plan to vote for, arrested several reporters and blocked a number of news websites in the growing war against free speech in the country.

Read: Members of Egypt’s press syndicate council condemn detention of journalists