Mido welcomes dismissal of Zamalek complaint by Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation

Ahmed Hossam Mido has thanked Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation after it dismissed a complaint filed against him by Zamalek chairman Hussein Labib.

The decision, made by the council under chairman Khaled Abdelaziz, concerned Mido’s work as presenter of the television programme “Odaet El-Libs”, broadcast on Al-Nahar channel.

In a statement, Mido said: “I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, headed by engineer Khaled Abdelaziz, for its decision to dismiss the complaint submitted against me by Zamalek.

“I value the role played by the council in establishing the rules of media work, strengthening the principles of professionalism and objectivity, and ensuring respect for freedom of opinion and expression.

“I have always believed that genuine media work does not simply report events, but also carries the responsibility of seeking the truth and revealing it to the public.

“The public’s right to know remains one of the most important foundations of media work. It cannot be achieved without asking questions and discussing issues with transparency and clarity.

“Professional criticism is not hostility, and raising questions is not an offence. It is an essential part of the media’s responsibility towards society.

“I will remain committed to my belief that words are a trust, and that journalism and the media have a major responsibility to defend the public’s right to know the truth.

“Thank you to the Supreme Council for Media Regulation. Professionalism, objectivity and respect for the public’s right to know will always remain the principles to which we are committed.”

The Supreme Council for Media Regulation had previously announced that it had received a complaint from Labib, the chairman of Zamalek, against Mido, whose full name is Ahmed Hossam.

The council said its decision followed a recommendation from the Complaints Committee, chaired by Essam El-Amir, the council’s deputy chairman. It added that the committee had carefully reviewed the content at the centre of the complaint and heard the defence presented by the channel’s legal representative.

The council also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting freedom of opinion and expression within a framework of responsibility and professionalism, in accordance with media regulations and ethical standards.

Labib’s complaint related to comments made by Mido during his television programme.

Zamalek had earlier issued an official statement concerning allegations that the club was involved in players’ cases, which had resulted in it being fined large sums of money.

Reports from some media figures had recently alleged that the club was involved in player-related cases that led to fines totalling 7 million dollars.