Khaberni - The Supreme Council for Media Regulation received an official complaint from Zahi Hawass and Mamdouh El-Damaty against Waseem El Sisi, regarding his statements about ancient Egyptian civilization in the media.
The disagreement over the coverage of ancient Egyptian civilization in the media has entered a new phase, after the Supreme Council for Media Regulation announced receiving an official complaint from two prominent archaeology experts against Dr. Waseem El Sisi, in preparation for its evaluation by the relevant authorities.
The Supreme Council for Media Regulation announced that it has received an official complaint submitted by Dr. Zahi Hawass, former Minister of Antiquities and Egyptian archaeologist, and Dr. Mamdouh El-Damaty, former Minister of Antiquities and Professor of Egyptian Archaeology at Ain Shams University, against Dr. Waseem El Sisi, Professor of kidney surgery and urology.
The complaint stems from a scientific dispute related to the statements made by Waseem El Sisi in various programs and TV channels regarding the history and civilization of ancient Egypt, where he appeared as an "archaeologist and researcher", which was objected to by the complainants from a scientific perspective.
The complaint has been referred to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
The Supreme Council for Media Regulation, chaired by Engineer Khaled Abdelaziz, has decided to refer the complaint to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the relevant scientific bodies, to provide technical and scientific opinions, in preparation for taking the necessary actions according to the provisions of the Press and Media Regulation Law No. 180 of 2018, and the codes governing media work.
Zahi Hawass stated, in television statements last February, that Dr. Waseem El Sisi is a "respectable man", but sometimes may be influenced by inaccurate information, expressing his full appreciation and respect for him.
Hawass also called for adherence to factual science and to avoid rumors and claims that harm Egyptian heritage, emphasizing the importance of investing in national talents to preserve the civilizational identity.
Zahi Hawass confirmed that there are people who discuss archaeology without specialization, noting that some promote the existence of a lost civilization that built the pyramids.
In previous statements made late last year, Hawass described what was brought up by Dr. Waseem El Sisi about the existence of another "Valley of Kings" as talk from non-specialists, calling it "nonsense".
He added: "There is no other Valley of Kings. I have been digging in Egypt for more than fifty years, and if there was something, we would have announced it."
An examination committee found no evidence
Hawass revealed that he contacted Dr. Khaled El Anany, former Minister of Antiquities, regarding what was mentioned by Waseem El Sisi about handing him a CD containing information about a new site "New Valley".
He explained, saying: "I asked Dr. Khaled, did you meet Waseem? He said yes. I asked him, did he give you a CD? He said yes. I asked him, what did you do? He said he formed a committee chaired by Dr. Mahmoud Afifi, and they went to the mentioned site, but they found no written evidence or anything".
Hawass emphasized that many believe Waseem El Sisi because of his speaking style and narrative technique, but stressed that the information he presents "has no basis".
Dr. Waseem El Sisi is among the most prominent speakers on ancient Egyptian civilization and Pharaonic history across media and various platforms, and is known for his frequent appearances on television programs and public lectures, where he provides historical views and interpretations that receive varied evaluations among archaeology specialists, between supporters and critics.
