The Egyptian Musicians Syndicate, represented by artist Mostafa Kamel, has announced that it is taking firm legal action against art critic Tarek El-Shennawy following statements he made during a television appearance, which the syndicate described as “offensive and disgraceful” toward the Syndicate President and its board members.

In an official statement issued by the Syndicate’s legal advisor, Cassation Lawyer Ahmed Mehanna, the syndicate affirmed that it had followed El-Shennawy’s remarks during the broadcast, in which he described the syndicate’s decisions regarding the recent controversy surrounding Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama’s concert as “random” and “ill-considered,” while also mocking the board and its leadership with sarcastic and scornful language.

"Defamation, Libel, and Contempt"

The statement clarified that these remarks do not fall under legitimate artistic or professional criticism but rather constitute public defamation, libel, and contempt, punishable under Egypt’s Penal Code and the Telecommunications Regulation Law, as they clearly insult a professional body representing a wide segment of artists and musicians.

The legal advisor stressed that the syndicate will not tolerate any affronts to its dignity or that of its members, stating that El-Shennawy’s comments undermine the syndicate’s integrity and insult its board members, warranting a firm legal response.

Preserving the Syndicate’s Reputation

The statement concluded by affirming the Musicians Syndicate’s commitment to taking all necessary legal measures to protect the reputation of its institutions and members and to reject any behavior that seeks to undermine its stature within the artistic and media spheres.