Security detains, interrogates American journalist and worker in Mahalla

An American journalist was detained and questioned by security forces on Tuesday while conducting research about labor issues relating to the Misr Spinning and Weaving Company in Mahalla al-Kubra, along with former company employee Kamal al-Fayoumy.

"I was preparing a simple report on labor conditions in Mahalla,” the journalist, who wishes his name to be withheld for security reasons, told Mada Masr, adding that he contacted Fayoumy for his insights on labor.

The journalist, his driver and Fayoumy were detained by security as they approached the gates of the state-owned textile company. “Of course I had no intention of entering the company,” the journalist said. 

“I approached Fayoumy, asking for his assistance. The problems started when we entered the vicinity of the company. I took pictures of Kamal with the (textile) company in the background," the journalist said, adding that local people were suspicious of their presence and may have informed the authorities. 

"When I inquired about the reason for the detention of the (Egyptian) driver, who bears no legal liability for my journalistic work, or photos, the company’s security personnel gently asked me to enter the company’s gates. Initially, I refused, but then I agreed."

The company’s security personnel told the American journalist that an officer from the National Security Agency wanted to talk to him.

“I was questioned by the National Security officer for about 20 minutes. He asked me about the reason for my visit to the city, and about the subject of my research,” the journalist said, adding that the officer "viewed the images on my camera but didn't erase them.” He was, however, very angry with Fayoumy, “claiming he was trying to organize and rally workers.” 

All three were released, but Fayoumy was only let go after he was interrogated for over four hours.

Fayoumy told Mada Masr, "I was with the foreign journalist outside the company while he was taking pictures for the article he was writing. I was then approached by the company’s security personnel who summoned me inside, but I refused.”

Fayoumy added that he only entered the company when he noticed security had persuaded the journalist’s driver to enter the gates for questioning. “I was trying to catch up with him in an attempt to prevent him from entering, but once we entered the company, the gates were closed behind us and we were detained."

"We were later told that the company’s security officials were communicating with the National Security Agency, so we were kept waiting for hours,” Fayoumy said.

Fayoumy was released before the driver, who insisted on staying at the company while they waited for a decision from security. “Perhaps he feared that he may later be caught up in legal proceedings," Fayoumy added. 

Fayoumy was fired from the Misr Spinning and Weaving Company last year after company administrators accused him of inciting strikes and work stoppages. He was at the forefront of independent labor organizing and trade union activities at the company, and is appealing his dismissal by company administrators.