September 27, 2019
Amnesty International has called on world leaders to issue clear condemnations of the security crackdowns launched by the Egyptian regime against its opponents following protests in some Egyptian provinces last Friday.
The Amnesty appeal came at a time when many leaders are meeting in New York to attend the UN General Assembly.
Amnesty International said in a report that it had documented widespread arrests by Egyptian security services of journalists, lawyers, activists and politicians in an attempt to silence dissenters’ voices and prevent them from organising further demonstrations.
Najia Bounaim, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said: “al-Sisi’s government has been greatly affected by these demonstrations, and has launched a massive crackdown to crush the demonstrations and intimidate activists and journalists.”
She added: “The world should not be silent while al-Sisi represses all Egyptians’ rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.”
Najia pointed out: “Instead of stepping up the crackdown, the Egyptian authorities should immediately release all those detained solely for the peaceful use of their right to freedom of expression and assembly, and the authorities should allow more demonstrations on Friday.”
Amnesty International documented arrests in five Egyptian governorates during demonstrations on Friday and Saturday.
Egyptian human rights organisations confirmed the arrest of hundreds of people across Egypt during the demonstrations. According to the Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights, over 1,438 people, including 58 girls and women, were arrested in connection with the demonstrations between September 20 and 24.
