CAIRO -- Optimism within the Egyptian media has been short-lived after outspoken critic and Al-Dustour editor-in-chief Ibrahim Eissa received a presidential pardon.

CAIRO -- Egypts most outspoken journalist Ibrahim Eissa stands to see the inside of a government prison after he lost an appeal in a controversial case over his coverage of rumors in September 2007 that President Hosni Mubaraks health was deteriorating.

CAIRO -- The kidnapping of 19 people, including 11 foreign tourists, on Sept. 19 in southern Egypt has sparked frustration among the countrys media, who complain that the governments lack of professionalism in dealing with the story was another attempt to further restrict the local press.

CAIRO -- Egypts parliament is due to examine a new broadcasting bill in November that is of growing concern for journalists and press rights groups in the country and abroad. Broadcast journalists are already under severe threat from the government, with censorship running high.

CAIRO -- Earlier this month Egyptian movie director Inas al-Dighaidy came under attack by an attorney affiliated with the ruling National Democratic Party for allegedly defaming Egypt in her film. Dighaidy is the latest victim of Egypts growing trend of hisba lawsuits, cases filed by private parties in the name of protecting state interests.