Egypt has ordered the deportation of three Syrians detained during celebrations of President Assad’s fall. Around 30 Syrians were arrested, with most still in custody. Rights group Eipr condemned the actions, warning of potential risks if deported to Syria and demanding compliance with international refugee laws.
Egypt has announced the deportation of three Syrians who were detained during street celebrations in Cairo following the reported fall of President Bashar al-Assad. According to the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (Eipr), approximately 30 Syrians were detained on December 8 and 9 while celebrating what they viewed as the end of Assad’s regime, which has lasted for more than fifty years. Following the announcement that Assad and his family fled to Russia, security forces intervened, dispersing gatherings of jubilant Syrians.
The gatherings, particularly outside the Hosary mosque, were brief but ended with police apprehending individuals celebrating the news. While some detainees with residency permits were released, those with temporary asylum seeker cards faced further detainment. On December 11, authorities shifted the remaining detainees to the immigration office, raising concerns over imminent deportation.
Eipr condemned these actions, arguing that they reflect disproportionate security measures that stifle public expression, solidarity, and joy. The organization has called for the immediate release of the detained Syrians and has warned that their forced return could expose them to significant risks in an unstable Syria. They emphasize the need for adherence to international agreements concerning the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, which prohibit returning them to places where their safety could be compromised.
The situation of Syrian refugees in Egypt is critical, especially given the implications of deportation in their lives. By December 2021, UNHCR reported that over 136,700 Syrian refugees were registered in Egypt, making them a significant portion of the refugee population. The recent detentions stemmed from celebrations following a significant political event in Syria, thereby drawing the attention of Egyptian authorities amidst broader geopolitical concerns surrounding the Syrian refugee experience and potential repatriation.
In conclusion, the Egyptian government’s decision to detain and consider the deportation of Syrians participating in celebrations underscores ongoing tensions regarding the treatment of refugees. Rights groups emphasize legal obligations protecting asylum seekers from forced returns to dangerous situations. The situation remains precarious for many Syrian refugees in Egypt, with calls for respect for their rights and safety.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
