Syrian authorities have arrested Egyptian fighter Ahmed al-Mansour for promoting a movement to overthrow President Sisi. Mansour, previously aligned with Syrian rebels, utilized social media to rally support against Sisi. His detention has drawn attention to the Egyptian regime’s approach towards dissent and increased security measures affecting Syrians in Egypt.
Syrian authorities have detained Ahmed al-Mansour, an Egyptian fighter advocating for a movement to overthrow President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Previously involved with Syrian rebels against Bashar al-Assad, Mansour had recently been publicizing his cause through social media, utilizing the hashtag “It’s your turn, Dictator,” calling for Egyptians to unite against Sisi’s regime. Following his detention, Egyptian media labeled him a “terrorist” and requested his extradition.
Mansour’s social media posts detailed his demands for change, including Sisi’s resignation, the withdrawal of the military from political affairs, the release of political prisoners, and adherence to the ideals of the January 2011 revolution. His activism intensified after the fall of Assad, with Egyptian authorities reportedly compiling lists of Egyptians who joined the fight in Syria. Additionally, some of these individuals were alleged to have engaged in terrorism in Egypt prior to their departure.
Prior to his detention, Mansour expressed his defiance towards the Egyptian government’s actions, stating that Sisi was “afraid” due to his government’s surveillance of those fighting in Syria. Enhanced security measures towards Syrian refugees in Egypt have also been instituted, most notably detaining them for celebrating the fall of Assad. On a personal level, Mansour’s family has faced repercussions for his actions, including the arrest of relatives in Egypt.
Mansour, who has a background in logistics and Islamic studies, became radicalized by witnessing police brutality and the military’s crackdown on protests in Egypt. His experiences during the Rabaa al-Adawiya massacre profoundly influenced his decision to join the fight in Syria. His detention raises concerns about the fate of dissenters in the region and the response of the current Egyptian regime to emerging political challenges.
The detention of Ahmed al-Mansour in Syria highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s regime in Egypt. Al-Mansour, who was formerly engaged in the Syrian opposition alongside fighting against Bashar al-Assad, has transitioned into a prominent voice against authoritarian practices in Egypt. The backdrop of this incident is marked by Sisi’s controversial rise to power following the ousting of democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi and the subsequent human rights abuses reported in Egypt.
The case of Ahmed al-Mansour underscores the volatile relationship between Egypt and Syria, particularly concerning dissidence and political movements. His calls for unity against Sisi resonate deeply within the context of ongoing repression in Egypt. Moreover, al-Mansour’s background and activism draw attention to the long-lasting effects of political violence on individuals and the potential for grassroots movements to challenge established regimes.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
