Court Orders Radio and Television Magazine to Compensate Safaa El-Kourbeigy with EGP 88,000 for Arbitrary Dismissal

On May 27, 2025, the North Cairo Court of First Instance issued a judgment in favor of journalist Safaa Mohamed Hassan El-Kourbeigy, ordering Radio and Television Magazine to pay compensation in the amount of EGP 88,000 for her arbitrary dismissal. The ruling also awarded her compensation for material and moral damages, payment in lieu of notice, and accrued unused leave, in Case No. 1252 of 2024 – North Cairo Labor Circuit.

The claimant commenced her employment at Radio and Television Magazine in 2010 as a Managing Editor (Department Head), with a starting monthly salary of EGP 1,200, which was later increased to EGP 2,400. She was duly registered under the national social insurance system and suffers from a physical disability in her right lower limb due to poliomyelitis, with a medically recognized disability rating of 85%, thereby qualifying her for special protection under Law No. 10 of 2018 concerning the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In March 2022, the claimant received a notice of dismissal on the grounds of unauthorized absence, despite having submitted medical reports confirming a COVID-19 infection. Although she made efforts to resolve the issue amicably, the magazine proceeded to issue a formal dismissal decision on March 7, 2022.

Before she could take legal action to contest the dismissal, she was subjected to a raid by National Security Forces on April 20, 2022. Her residence was searched, and all documents related to her medical condition and employment were seized. She was subsequently arrested and charged with various national security-related offenses, including disturbing public order and security and spreading false information. She remained in detention from April 2022 until February 2024, which prevented her from challenging the unlawful dismissal or claiming her employment entitlements.

Following her release, the claimant filed a lawsuit before the competent labor court to assert her legal rights. The case was deliberated over several sessions and referred to the Ministry of Justice’s Experts Department for a legal report. On May 27, 2025, the court issued its final judgment, accepting the claim and ordering Radio and Television Magazine to pay the aforementioned compensation.