Egyptian Justice Minister Ahmed al-Zind was relieved of his position on Sunday after making controversial statements on television. After being asked a question regarding the imprisonment of journalists, al-Zind’s responded that he would even imprison the Prophet Mohammed. The response was quickly the target of criticism across the Internet, including the specific Twitter hashtag “trial for Zind.” He immediately issued an apology but was nonetheless removed from office [CNN report] after being there since last May.

Of particular concern with Egypt’s constitutional and human rights is the prosecution and imprisonment of journalists by the Egyptian government, which has garnered widespread criticism from governments and rights groups worldwide. In January 13 non-governmental organizations issued a joint statement [JURIST report] to the Egyptian parliament giving recommendations to ensure the enforcement of constitutional and human rights. Last December Egyptian lawyer Nasser Amin challenged a law [JURIST report] that allows writers to be jailed for writings that violate Egyptian “morals.” In August 2015 Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi approved [JURIST report] a 54-article counter-terrorism law that has been met with significant controversy, as many believe it infringes on the freedom of the press. Many have said that the law defines terrorism too broadly and imposes harsh sentences and fines on violators. Also in August 2015, Human Rights Watch criticized [JURIST report] the law saying it infringes on freedom of the press.