Hossam Bahgat Summoned for Interrogation
On January 19, prominent human rights advocate Hossam Bahgat will face questioning by Egypt’s Supreme State Security Prosecution concerning undisclosed allegations. Mahmoud Shalaby, Amnesty International’s Egypt researcher, stated that Bahgat, who leads one of the nation’s foremost human rights organizations, has endured years of persistent persecution by the authorities due to his legitimate activism.
A Stolen Freedom
Just months after an unjust eight-year travel ban was lifted, Egypt’s government is resurrecting its campaign against Bahgat, seemingly to stifle criticism of its tarnished human rights practices. Shalaby emphasized that this summons is chilling, coinciding with the Egyptian Ministry of Interior’s threats of legal action against Bahgat’s organization over a statement about hunger strikes in Ramadan prison due to harsh conditions.
A History of Repression
The Egyptian authorities have a notorious pattern of stalking NGOs and activists, employing various intimidation tactics such as arbitrary arrests, unjust prosecutions, and travel bans. “The authorities must cease using the deeply flawed criminal justice system to target civil society activists,” remarked Shalaby, urging a halt to this harassment.
A Dismal Reality
The case of Bahgat starkly contrasts the Egyptian government’s claims of newly embraced human rights. It reveals a grim reality where the government is more focused on repressing voices of dissent rather than fostering a culture of respect and freedom.
Background on Hossam Bahgat
Hossam Bahgat, founder and executive director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, has faced consistent intimidation. He was previously detained unlawfully for three days in 2015 and barred from traveling in 2016 due to a politically motivated case. In 2020, three EIPR members were arrested for unfounded terrorism charges after discussing human rights with European diplomats, showcasing the ongoing threats against civil rights.
Upcoming UN Review
Bahgat was fined in November 2021 for criticizing Egypt’s electoral authority on social media, further illustrating the risks faced by activists. His plight underscores the urgency for reform, as the UN Human Rights Council is set to review Egypt’s human rights record on January 28, 2025.
Conclusion
Hossam Bahgat’s forced appearance at a legal interrogation marks a significant chapter in the ongoing struggle for human rights in Egypt. From relentless harassment to stringent travel bans, Bahgat’s experiences highlight the dire state of civil liberties under the current regime and the critical need for global scrutiny as the UN prepares to assess Egypt’s human rights commitments.
– Hossam Bahgat summoned on January 19 by Egypt’s authorities for interrogation. – Amnesty’s researcher calls state actions a campaign to silence criticism. – Egyptian government shows inconsistencies between claims and reality on human rights. – UN set to review Egypt’s human rights record in January 2025.
Hossam Bahgat’s summons is not merely a legal formality but part of a broader trend of oppression against human rights activists in Egypt. The government’s attempts at intimidation and silencing dissent highlight the chasm between their rhetoric and reality. As international observers prepare for the upcoming UN review of Egypt’s human rights record, Bahgat’s case continues to exemplify the urgent need for protection of civil liberties amidst growing repression.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
