In a concerning move, Egyptian authorities have detained numerous individuals for merely expressing support for calls to end the presidency of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Amnesty International reports that since late December 2024, around 59 people, including women, were taken into custody for engaging with social media content from the Facebook page “Revolution of the Joints,” which critiques the current government and advocates for political reform. This crackdown coincides with the anniversary of the 25 January 2011 revolution, a period when governmental repression intensifies to quell potential protests.
During this wave of arrests, detainees faced weeks of enforced disappearance before finally being shown to prosecutors in February 2025. Amnesty International highlights that many of these individuals endured physical abuse while being interrogated by security forces. Mahmoud Shalaby, an Egypt researcher for the organisation, emphasised that instead of silencing dissent, the government should tackle the underlying issues causing public dissatisfaction, particularly the economic instability plaguing many citizens.
Among those detained, seven men were apprehended for posting online content related to their dissatisfaction with the government, with arrests occurring in various Egyptian governorates. Legal representatives indicated that these men were taken to NSA facilities, where they were held incommunicado and faced harsh interrogation techniques without legal representation. The courts have brought terrorism-related charges against these detainees, including accusations of collaborating with terrorist organisations.
Despite the serious allegations, accounts from the detainees shared during interrogations revealed their motivations stemmed from economic hardship and the rising cost of living, not terrorism. Sadly, allegations of torture and degrading treatment remain uninvestigated as the judiciary continues to, in many instances, overlook complaints of maltreatment at the hands of security authorities. Shalaby cautioned that such gross violations by security forces will persist without accountability or a genuine commitment to reform.
Egyptian authorities are detaining individuals for supporting calls to end President al-Sisi’s rule, with at least 59 arrested since late December 2024. Amnesty International condemns these actions, urging the government to address the root causes of discontent instead of resorting to repression. Preparations for prosecution have followed weeks of incommunicado detention and allegations of torture have surfaced, revealing a troubling pattern of human rights abuses and disregard for personal freedoms.
In light of Amnesty International’s reports, it is evident that Egyptian authorities are engaged in a systematic crackdown on free expression, particularly against those who voice dissent against President al-Sisi’s rule. The alarming trend of arbitrary detentions, torture, and a lack of judicial integrity highlights the urgent need for reform to safeguard civil liberties and address the economic challenges facing citizens. As the government continues to stifle voices of discontent, the cycle of repression threatens to undermine the very foundations of social justice and stability in the country.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
