On Sunday, 10 November, the State Security Prosecution in the Fifth Settlement in Cairo questioned poet and former political prisoner Ahmed Douma for five hours. The SSSP charged him with spreading false news at home and abroad, then released him on 20,000 pound bail pending investigation into Case No. 5892 of 2024 (Supreme State Security). The prosecution questioned Douma about posts he wrote or shared on social media in which he posed questions whether the port of Alexandria had received a German ship called "Kathrin" carrying explosives for the Israel-based military technology company Elbit Systems Ltd. The prosecution also questioned him about posts related to the transit of an Israeli frigate carrying the Israeli and Egyptian flags in the Suez Canal. EIPR lawyer Hoda Nasrallah who attended the investigation session said that Douma stressed during the questioning his commitment to publishing both the clarification released by the Egyptian military spokesman, in which he denied that Egypt provided any military support to Israel, as well as the comment of the Alexandria Port Authority, in which it denied receiving the ship "Kathrin" and redirecting its shipment to Israel. Nonetheless, the prosecution still charged Douma with spreading false news at home and abroad that would disturb public security, spread panic among people, and cause harm to the public interests, based on  Article 102 bis of the Penal Code No. 58 of 1937.

On Thursday, 7 November, Douma received an official request to appear before the Supreme State Security Prosecution HQ, in Case No. 5892 of 2024, without specifying the nature and subject matter of the case.

Yesterday's questioning revealed that the prosecution is investigating Douma over opinions and legitimate questions of public interest that he posted on social media. These social media posts concerned issues that preoccupied many who – like Douma –  raised legitimate questions about circulating news published by various outlets, and in which they called on the government to respond to and clarify. This is all in accordance with basic rights of citizens to hold their government accountable and demand transparency in its conduct and full disclosure of facts.