Egypt’s state security agents have arrested journalist Karim Assaad for publishing names of arrested high profile Egyptians who were aboard a private jet (tail number T7-WSS) seized at the airport in Lusaka, Zambia early this week for carrying millions of United States dollars in cash, minerals, pistols and ammunition, reports Mada Masr – Egypt’s independent publication.

Assaad’s arrest happened overnight Friday after agents raided his family home in al-Shorouk east of Egypt’s capital Cairo, his wife told Mada Masr. During the raid, forces assaulted Assaad and his wife and threatened the life of their son, she said.

The forces also demanded Assaad access Matsada2sh news agency’s accounts – where his reports were published – and delete two articles related to the identity of the Egyptians on the plane seized in Zambia.

Credit: Mada Masr