Egyptian authorities have released prominent independent journalist Lina Attalah from custody after her news outlet paid a fine of three million Egyptian pounds, equivalent to approximately $53,400, following her conviction for operating a website without a licence.

Attalah, editor-in-chief of the independent news platform Mada Masr, was detained on Tuesday after a court in New Cairo found her guilty and ordered the closure of the website.

Her lawyer, Hassan al-Azhari, confirmed her release, saying the fine had been paid. The detention lasted several hours, according to reports.

The court imposed the maximum fine for the offence and ordered the seizure of the platform’s property and equipment, according to Mada Masr. The ruling has drawn criticism from press freedom and human rights organisations, which have described the prosecution as a serious threat to independent journalism in Egypt.

Mada Masr, founded in 2013, has reported on politically sensitive issues and has been blocked within Egypt since 2017. The outlet said it had repeatedly sought an operating licence but had not received a clear response to its applications, including one submitted in 2023.

During the court proceedings, Attalah’s defence team reportedly sought to present evidence and call witnesses, but the requests were rejected. Human Rights Watch also raised concerns over the handling of the hearing, including the appointment of a lawyer against Attalah’s wishes.

The Committee to Protect Journalists and other rights groups have called for the conviction to be reversed and the order to close Mada Masr withdrawn, arguing that the case could further restrict independent reporting.

Egyptian authorities maintain that media organisations must comply with national laws and regulatory requirements. The government has also stated that freedom of expression must be exercised within the framework of national security and efforts to counter misinformation.

Attalah’s release does not reverse the court’s conviction or the closure order against Mada Masr. The outlet has indicated that it intends to challenge the ruling.

The case has renewed international concerns about the operating environment for independent journalists in Egypt, where media organisations have faced legal action and restrictions over their reporting.