Egyptian journalists call government criticism ban 'victory for terrorism' Hundreds of Egyptian journalists have rejected a policy declaration by newspaper editors banning criticism of the police, army and judiciary in their publications, labelling it a "victory for terrorism." The October 26 editorial pledge reflects the ultranationalism that has characterised the coverage of most Egyptian media outlets in the months since the fall of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July last year. It came in response to a particularly deadly attack against Egypt's popular army, which left 30 soldiers dead. Although journalists deny the existence of formal censorship, they operate in an environment where public criticism of the regime is rare. Dissenting media organisations, particularly those linked to Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood, have been forcibly closed, or have ceased publication of their own accord, wary of a public backlash against any criticism of popular president Abdel Fattah al Sisi. As news bulletins roll, viewers often see a flashing banner with the words: "Egypt against terrorism."