CAIRO, Jun 9 (Aswat Masriya) - Egyptian journalists intend to hold a partial strike on Wednesday at the press syndicate to protest against journalists' detention, among other recent "violations".   

Syndicate board member Khaled Elbalshy told Aswat Masriya on Tuesday "the main target of the strike is to stand against the violations practiced against journalists, from arbitrary dismissals, continuous aggression or detention."

Human rights watchdog Amnesty International said in a statement published on World Press Freedom Day on May 3 that there are at least 18 currently detained journalists in Egypt.

The group said that journalists in Egypt face "acute dangers including arbitrary arrest, indefinite detention without charge, prosecution and intimidation."

ElBalshy believes media institutions are themselves carrying out violations adding that this is what brought about the "large numbers" of dismissed journalists. 

This intended strike was called for by two committees, in the press syndicate, concerned with freedoms. 

The journalists' demands tomorrow include legislation to protect journalists, including from media institutions and the release of all detained journalists.  

The journalists are also calling for legislation that protects journalists and freedom of the press.

The day is planned to start with a three hour demonstration followed by a press conference which will feature the families of detained journalists. It is due to conclude with a demonstration at the steps of the syndicate.