62 websites blocked, probably related to islands debate -Reuters

Egypt has blocked 62 websites since 24 May, according to an update to the Association of Freedom of Thought and Expression (AFTE)’s initial estimate of 52 picked up by Reuters. “The spike in censorship has come as a surprise, even to journalists long-accustomed to reporting within strict red lines in Egypt where direct criticism of the military, the president, and judiciary are considered taboo and punishable by jail time,” Eric Knecht and Nadine Awadalla write. Journalist Khaled El Balshi, whose website Al Bidayah was also blocked, and others believe the censorship is related to the ongoing debate over the Tiran and Sanafir islands.