Egypt’s Escalating Repression Under Sisi
As President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi enters a second decade, Egypt faces widespread repression. Authorities systematically detain peaceful critics and activists, according to Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2025. The dire economic crisis exacerbates human rights violations, placing citizens’ access to social and economic rights under severe strain.
A Global Perspective on Repression
In this 35th edition of the report, Human Rights Watch analyzes over 100 countries. Executive Director Tirana Hassan notes a global trend of governments clamping down on dissent. Political opponents, activists, and journalists are wrongfully imprisoned, while humanitarian access is obstructed, particularly in authoritarian regimes during national elections.
The Imminent Threat of Fear
“Egyptian authorities have shown no real will to end a zero tolerance policy toward peaceful dissent and criticism,” stated Bassam Khawaja, the deputy director for the region at Human Rights Watch. The government prefers to fortify an environment of fear, believing it can manage an economic crisis this way instead of addressing citizens’ fundamental rights.
Crackdown on Dissent
The repression escalated in 2024, with authorities prosecuting numerous protesters under new laws. In July, over 100 individuals were detained in response to peaceful protest calls against economic strain, despite the protests never occurring. The 2019 NGO law continues to severely restrict independent organizations and advocacy.
Economic Strain Deepens
Despite receiving $57 billion in international aid and grants in 2024, the government’s focus on extravagant, opaque military projects undermines citizens’ access to essential rights. Rising prices and increasing poverty overshadow the population, which faces difficulty accessing basic necessities like food and electricity amid heavy foreign debt reliance.
A Glimmer of Hope for Activists
Recently, Egyptian authorities lifted travel bans on notable human rights defenders like Gamal Eid and Hossam Bahgat. However, harsh prosecutions and asset freezes still affect many, leaving a cloud of uncertainty for those who dared to challenge the state.
A Call for Change
To reverse the trend of repression, Egyptian authorities must dismantle laws curtailing peaceful assembly and improve transparency regarding military projects. Immediate action is essential to reinstate citizens’ social and economic rights, with UN member states urged to address these issues during the upcoming Universal Periodic Review in January.
– Egypt’s government, under Sisi, escalates repression in its second decade. – Human Rights Watch reports a significant crackdown on dissent, suppressing protests and critics. – Economic crisis worsens, undermining citizens’ basic rights. – Recent lifting of some travel bans offers little hope against ongoing repression. – Urgent need for international pressure to reform oppressive laws.
In conclusion, Egypt’s continued repression under President Sisi marks a bleak reality for human rights. With a dire economic climate and systematic crackdowns on dissent, citizens face escalating challenges to their rights. The government’s focus on fear rather than necessary reforms exacerbates the situation, emphasizing the need for international intervention and accountability.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
