Al Jazeera banned after blanket coverage

Egypt's outgoing information minister has ordered the closure of pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera, the official MENA news agency said Sunday, after it gave blanket coverage to days of anti-government riots.

Anas al-Fikki has "ordered the closure of all activities by Al Jazeera in the Arab republic of Egypt, and the annulment of its licences, as well as withdrawing the press cards to all its employees as of (Sunday)," MENA said.

Al Jazeera was still broadcasting when the announcement was made.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.