Press release
Geneva – June 11, 2024
CFJ has monitored the ordeal of Egyptian lawyer and human rights defender Mohamed Sobhi, executive director of the Arab Foundation for Civil and Political Rights “Nidal,” during a raid on his home by security forces. Sobhi shared the incident in real-time on his Facebook account.
In his posts, Sobhi wrote, “A lot of forces at my apartment door trying to break in by force.” Shortly after, he posted, “Security just broke the apartment door.” He later assured his followers, “I am fine, thank God. Security suddenly raided my apartment, broke the door, and entered the bedroom where my wife Sara and my son Noah were. Thankfully, they could not arrest me. Tomorrow, God willing, I will do an important live broadcast. Sorry, I won’t be able to respond to
comments or calls until tomorrow. Thank you very much to all friends who were concerned.” His final update stated, “Police are now at my mother’s house in Boulaq.” He also shared images showing the aftermath of the raid, including damage to his apartment’s door and some of its contents.
CFJ strongly condemns these unconstitutional, illegal, and inhumane actions by the Egyptian security forces against Mohamed Sobhi. The Egyptian constitution prohibits arrest, search, or detention without a judicial order. CFJ demands an end to the deliberate targeting of Sobhi and other human rights defenders in the country. CFJ calls for impartial, transparent, and swift investigations into the incident and for holding the responsible parties accountable for these violations.
