22 opposition and independent papers in Egypt shut down their press machines Sunday to protest the government's intervention in curtailing freedom of expression. The U.S., too, recently condemned the Egyptian government for arresting three journalists who criticized the Minister of Justice.
The dustup began on August 30th, when independent newspaper A-Dustur published an article alleging that the government was hiding President Mubarak's medical condition. Shortly afterwards, a private attorney filed a lawsuit against the paper's editor for "demoralization, spreading false rumors and hurting Egypt's economy.
All in all, 11 journalists were arrested in the recent crackdown, which is seen by some analysts as a prelude for a possible transfer of power to Mubarak's son, Gemal.