Ahead of the UN Universal Periodic Review, Egypt’s crackdown on peaceful dissent intensifies with increased arbitrary detentions and politically motivated investigations targeting critics. Prominent figures face legal actions while calls for reform are stifled. Amnesty International condemns these measures as counterproductive to any claims of improving human rights.
Egyptian authorities are intensifying their crackdown on peaceful dissent through arbitrary detentions and politically motivated criminal investigations, coinciding with the upcoming UN Universal Periodic Review on January 28. In January 2025 alone, several critics, including prominent human rights lawyer Hossam Bahgat and opposition figure Hisham Kassem, faced criminal investigations. Additionally, Nada Mogheeth was arrested in connection with her husband’s case, and TikToker Mohamed Allam was detained for his critical videos against President al-Sisi.
Amnesty International has strongly criticized the Egyptian government’s actions, stating that these measures reflect a blatant intolerance for dissent and a refusal to address the worsening human rights situation in Egypt. Mahmoud Shalaby, the Egypt Researcher at Amnesty International, remarked on the irony that this crackdown occurs just before the country’s appearance before the Human Rights Council, noting the government’s message that it would not entertain any criticisms of its human rights record.
The government’s oppression correlates with the anniversary of the 25 January Revolution of 2011, a fact that raises concerns regarding potential escalations in targeting dissenters to prevent protests. A series of politically charged criminal proceedings against critics have emerged, notably against Hossam Bahgat, who was interrogated regarding his organization’s funding and its statements about prison conditions, amid accusations from the National Security Agency.
Additional investigations have been initiated against Hisham Kassem without prior notification, involving charges linked to prior posts critical of government corruption. Law enforcement agencies have been implicated in politically charged arrests, as exemplified by the case of Nada Mogheeth, who was detained without an arrest warrant for giving an interview about her arrested husband.
In a disturbing trend, Mohamed Allam was detained after he posted critical commentary via TikTok, which has been a platform for him to voice his opinions on the government. Eyewitness accounts reveal that he experienced mistreatment during his detention, raising serious human rights concerns. Other arrests mirror these patterns, indicating a systematic effort to silence dissent in advance of the UN review.
Egypt will undergo scrutiny of its human rights record during the Universal Periodic Review by the UN Human Rights Council on January 28, 2025. Amnesty International’s recent report highlights a persistent human rights crisis in Egypt, marked by a crackdown on dissent, arbitrary detentions, and politically motivated investigations. The country faces increasing condemnation for repressing free speech and peaceful protest, notably as it approaches significant political anniversaries that may provoke public dissent.
The intensifying repression in Egypt underscores a troubling trend of silencing dissent in anticipation of the UN’s examination of the nation’s human rights practices. The ongoing arrests and criminal investigations of prominent figures reflect a stark intolerance for opposition and an unwillingness to address critical human rights violations. As Egypt prepares for its appearance before the UN, it continues to demonstrate a commitment to suppressing dissent rather than improving its human rights situation, suggesting further international scrutiny and prompt advocacy for change.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
