Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily New
An Egyptian misdemeanor court on Wednesday sentenced Ahmed Douma to one year in prison with immediate enforcement after convicting him of publishing false news and information, according to judicial sources.
The ruling was issued by the New Cairo Misdemeanor Court in Case No. 2449 of 2026. The court found Douma guilty of charges related to disseminating false information that prosecutors said could disturb public order, spread confusion among citizens and harm national interests.
According to prosecutors, the case centered on statements and information allegedly published by Douma both inside and outside Egypt. The Public Prosecution accused him of deliberately spreading false news, data and rumors capable of undermining public stability and creating unrest.
Investigators alleged that some of the information circulated by Douma contained inaccurate claims about state institutions and public affairs. Following his arrest, prosecutors opened an investigation that ultimately led to charges related to publishing false information deemed harmful to national security and public interests.
The court sentenced Douma to one year in prison with labor and immediate execution of the sentence, meaning the ruling takes effect without suspension unless overturned through available legal procedures. The case was prosecuted under provisions of Egypt’s Penal Code governing the publication and dissemination of false information.
Article 188 of the Penal Code stipulates penalties for anyone who intentionally publishes false news, statements or rumors that could disturb public peace, spread panic among citizens or damage the public interest. The law provides for imprisonment of up to one year, a financial penalty or both.
Prosecutors also referenced Article 80, which imposes penalties ranging from six months to five years in prison, in addition to possible fines, for Egyptians found guilty of intentionally disseminating false information abroad in a manner that could harm the country’s interests, reputation or public confidence in state institutions.
The ruling can still be challenged through Egypt’s judicial appeals process. Neither Douma nor his legal team had publicly commented on the verdict at the time of publication.
