Egypt Security Forces Raid Al Jazeera Office

Posted September 29th, 2011 at 2:05 pm (UTC-5)
Leave a comment

Al Jazeera television network says Egyptian security forces have raided its Cairo office for the second time this month, roughing up the staff and confiscating equipment.

Bureau Chief Ahmed Zein says officers entered the channel's new office Thursday and forced its journalists into one room. He said the security officials pushed a journalist after she asked them to display their identity papers.

Earlier this month, security officials shut down the station's office because it did not have a permit to operate in the country. Zein says Al Jazeera applied for a permit six months ago. He said authorities assured the station that it could continue to operate while waiting for its permit.

Security officials have not commented on the raid.

Egypt's ruling military authorities have clamped down on media outlets they believe might incite instability in the country following the ouster of former President Hosni Mubarak.