The Temporary Committee for Journalism Is Heading to Court After Internal Meeting Leak and Broadcast on YouTube
The Temporary Committee responsible for managing the affairs of the journalism and publishing sector issued a press release on Friday, November 21, 2025, expressing its strong condemnation of Hamid Mahdui’s actions, who broadcast content on his YouTube channel on the evening of November 20. This content included clips and images from an internal meeting of the Committee on Professional Ethics and Disciplinary Issues, considering this act as an attempt to mislead public opinion and harm its members’ reputations.
The Committee emphasized that broadcasting the discussions of an internal meeting is illegal, as committee meetings are confidential under the internal regulations of the National Press Council, specifically Article 18. It highlighted that publishing images and content without the consent of the owners does not relate to press or expression freedom, but constitutes a legal violation.
The statement added that Mahdui’s actions are part of a series of videos he has been posting for months, which the Committee claims involve daily attacks on its members and defamation of their integrity, even going so far as to accuse Israel of being behind the ethical scrutiny he faced.
The Committee explained that it had remained silent for a long time despite the clear insults to its members’ dignity, honor, and professional reputation, stating that the principles of journalistic ethics and human rights reject the exploitation of freedom of expression for slander and defamation.
Regarding the statements attributed to the chair of the Ethics Committee, the release stressed that these are fabricated and distorted, affirming that the individual is known for his integrity and competence since the establishment of the National Press Council.
Furthermore, the Committee noted that the meeting that was filmed was ordinary, with all legal procedures being respected during it, and that the decisions made against Mahdui are based on Law No. 90.13 governing the Council, as well as on internal procedures that allow the chair to invite anyone who may contribute to the discussion as consultants.
The statement concluded by confirming that the Committee has decided to resort to legal action against Hamid Mahdui and anyone proven to be involved in this “illegal and harmful act,” to ensure compliance with the law and the continued professional institutions in fulfilling their roles within a clear ethical and legal framework.
