Egypt: In-depth inquiry essential to determine journalist Rehab Badr’s mysterious death

EGYPT, Cairo, February 1, 2020 – The Coalition For Women In Journalism is devastated to learn about Egyptian journalist Rehab Badr’s passing. We extend our condolences to her loved ones in this time of grief.

Rehab was the media organizer of the Luxor African Film Festival. She is also a journalist, but not a member of the journalist Egyptian Journalists’ Syndicate.

According to Egyptian press, Rehab’s body was found hanging from a ceiling fan in her home in the capital city. So far, most reports have speculated that she has committed suicide. We urge investigation officers to ensure a thorough investigation.

Reports suggest that Rehab’s family had to break into the house to check up on her. Her husband, who was in Alexandria at the time, contacted Rehab’s mother to check up on her after she did not answer his calls.

The Criminal Investigation Department’s team in Cairo have started their investigation to ascertain the circumstances related to the tragic event. An Egyptian newspaper reported that no sign of a break in has been determined during initial examination and preliminary evidence confirmed it to be a suicide, as said by a security source in the Cairo Security Directorate. Evidence gathered using fingerprints have indicated suicide. However, Rehab’s husband and family are also under investigation.

Another paper mentioned a security source stating that she was strangled to death on her bed in the apartment, along with an indication of unclear circumstances.

We urge the Egyptain authorities, especially the concerned security agencies investigating Rehab’s case, to conduct an in-depth inquiry into our colleague’s death. It is imperative that they leave no stone unturned to unravel facts behind the mysterious circumstances in which her body was found.

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The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world, and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

Follow us on Instagram @womeninjournalism and Twitter @CFWIJ. Our website is WomenInJournalism.org and we can be reached at press@womeninjournalism.org