Egyptian authorities have launched intensified repressions against dissenters ahead of a UN human rights review set for January 28. Significant detentions of critics and politically motivated investigations are reported by Amnesty International, targeting individuals like Hossam Bahgat and Hisham Kassem. The government’s actions coincide with the anniversary of the 2011 Revolution, signaling a deliberate effort to quell potential protests and dissent.
Egyptian authorities have intensified their crackdown on peaceful dissent ahead of a UN review of the nation’s human rights record scheduled for January 28. Amnesty International reported numerous arbitrary detentions and politically motivated investigations targeting critics of the government. This renewed repression includes the investigations of human rights defender Hossam Bahgat and opposition politician Hisham Kassem, as well as the arrests of activists and journalists expressing dissent.
In January, Hossam Bahgat faced a criminal investigation on charges of spreading false news and funding terrorism, punishable by severe consequences. He was questioned by prosecutors for several hours regarding his organization’s activities and their statements about prison conditions. Although released on bail, the investigation continues, highlighting ongoing risks for individuals involved in human rights advocacy.
Similarly, Hisham Kassem discovered that he is the subject of new charges related to previous social media posts about government corruption, although he was not officially notified. In another incident, Nada Mogheeth was arrested without warrant due to a media interview discussing her detained husband’s case, illustrating the government’s crackdown on dissenters and their families.
Two other individuals, journalist Ahmed Serag and TikTok user Mohamed Allam, were also arrested. Allam faced severe mistreatment during detention, including electric shocks and beatings. These arrests coincide with the anniversary of the 2011 Revolution, when the government seeks to suppress potential dissent.
The forthcoming review by the UN Human Rights Council is particularly concerning as the Egyptian government appears to be sending a powerful message against dissent, undermining any claims of commitment to improve human rights practices. Amnesty International’s report emphasizes the urgency of addressing the ongoing human rights crisis within Egypt.
The context of this article centers on the actions taken by Egyptian authorities to suppress dissent in light of an upcoming review of the country’s human rights record by the UN Human Rights Council. The article underscores patterns of arbitrary detentions, political crackdown, and the alleged politically motivated investigations against prominent dissidents and activists. Understanding the history of repression leading to this review is critical to assessing the current state of human rights in Egypt.
In conclusion, the Egyptian government is actively intensifying its crackdown on dissent as it prepares to defend its human rights record before the UN. High-profile arrests, ongoing investigations, and systemic abuses mark a worrying trend. International scrutiny is vital as Egypt navigates this complex human rights landscape, particularly in light of the Universal Periodic Review that aims to address these issues.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
