The Ministry of Local Development, headed by Minister Dr. Manal Awad, revealed the full circumstances behind the arrest of journalist Islam Al-Raghi through communication with the Damietta governor. The ministry clarified that the arrest at the Faraskour police station in Damietta was based on a judicial ruling issued against him months ago in a different case involving some of his relatives. Additionally, there is a public prosecution decision to refer him to the criminal court for insulting and violating the personal freedom of the head of a village unit in Damietta via his Facebook page due to her performing her official duties. The ministry emphasized that this was not due to his criticism of the lack of cleanliness or maintenance in his village.

The Ministry of Local Development values and respects the role of the press and freedom of information and constructive criticism, which are rights guaranteed by the constitution and press laws. It also stressed that any citizen has the right to submit complaints about issues affecting their daily lives, which are followed up daily by local administration officials at all levels across the country.