The Committee for Justice (CFJ) stated that as the date of the presidential elections in Egypt approaches, expected to be held in early 2024, there has been an escalation in the ongoing campaign of repression against activists and human rights defenders in the country. The latest target of this campaign was the publisher, political activist, and human rights defender, Hisham Kassem.
Kassem was interrogated at the Sayeda Zeinab Prosecutor’s Office on August 20th based on a complaint filed by Kamal Abu Aita, a former minister and a member of the committee responsible for recommending presidential pardons. Abu Aita accused Kassem of slander and defamation against him.
The investigative authorities decided to release Kassem on bail of five thousand Egyptian pounds (around $160), which he refused, being convinced that he had not committed any crime. However, the situation escalated due to accusations of betrayal from the former minister Abu Aita, and Kassem responded with counterclaims.
After Kassem submitted an appeal for release without bail, a judge of the opposition decided to release him without bail. However, soon after the decision was made, members of the Sayeda Zeinab police station’s investigation force filed a new report accusing Kassem of slander, defamation, assault, and insults against them. As a result, he was sentenced to four days of detention for investigation purposes.
Kassem’s lawyer confirmed that the Egyptian authorities transferred his client to prison, pending trial on charges of slander, defamation, and insulting officers and police officers of the Sayeda Zeinab police station. The lawyer added that the rapid referral of his client’s case to trial before considering the request for his release on bail was harsh, given the severity of the charges. His trial is scheduled for September 2nd.
CFJ sees the Egyptian authorities’ preemptive campaign of repression against regime opponents and human rights defenders before the presidential elections as a clear challenge to all international and human rights norms and laws. The authorities in Egypt have consistently disregarded these norms, and the international silence encourages impunity.
Likewise, the committee considered that the swiftness in handling the complaints against the publisher, political activist, and human rights defender, Hisham Kassem, is evidence of targeting him. This is due to his role as the spokesperson for the Free Current, a liberal group formed in June 2022 to oppose President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s government. Sisi is expected to run for a third term in early 2024. This also serves as a clear indication of the failure of the national dialogue called for by Sisi, which he placed under his patronage. It appears to be a mere publicity stunt by the regime to present itself positively to the international community before the presidential elections, with no tangible impact of its decisions or outcomes on the ground in Egypt.
Therefore, CFJ demands that the Egyptian authorities immediately release Kassem, and cease targeting human rights defenders and dissidents. It urges for the creation of a safe environment for them to carry out their legitimate and peaceful work.
Furthermore, CFJ calls upon the international community to pressure the Egyptian authorities to open up civic space in the country, especially as the presidential elections draw near. These elections require providing opportunities for expected candidates to compete against Sisi by presenting their ideas and programs to the people. It also demands freedom of expression for citizens so that they can choose someone they trust to manage the country’s affairs. Egypt is currently facing critical political and economic crises that necessitate the collaboration of all.
