ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT: Opposition member Mohamed al-Kassas at risk of enforceddisappearance and torture

21 Feb 2018

[International Secretariat]

Region: ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT

Topic:

“Given the track record of the Egyptian authorities and their continued use of enforced disappearances to stifle dissent, we are deeply concerned that Mohamed al-Kassas might have been forcibly disappeared and subjected to torture. The authorities must disclose any information they have about the whereabouts of Mohamed al-Kassas and release him immediately if he is in state custody.”

“This enforced disappearance  is a brazen attack on the rights to freedom of expression and association in Egypt. Enforced disappearance has become a routine practice by the al-Sisi administration to silence activists and opposition groups.”

This is the third enforced disappearance in Egypt confirmed by Amnesty International this week. On Monday 4 February, journalist Mustafa al-Aassar and his roommate, activist Hassan al-Banna Mubarak, were last seen on their way to work in Giza. Until today, their fate and whereabouts remain unknown.  A month ago, the National Security Agency of the Ministry of Interior summoned al-Assar’s brother and questioned him about his whereabouts and activities.

Despite numerous complaints by family members and lawyers, the Egyptian authorities have refused to reveal the whereabouts of those disappeared. 

In January 2018, former Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Sami Anan, was arrested after declaring his intentions to run in the upcoming presidential election.

9 February 2018
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL QUOTE