Press release
Geneva – May 1, 2024
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has condemned the Egyptian security forces for arresting labor activist Shadi Mohamed late Monday night, April 29, 2024, as he returned home from work, and subsequently disappeared to an undisclosed location.
Mohamed was a prominent figure in the Independent Union of Workers at Lenin Group for Furniture and Textiles in the Amreya Free Zone, before being arbitrarily dismissed in 2019 for his involvement in labor protests within the company demanding wage improvements.
According to his wife, Mohamed contacted her upon his return from work at a textile company in Alexandria, before abruptly ending the call. A neighbor later informed her that he had been apprehended in front of their home. The following morning, she sent telegrams to the Presidency, Ministry of Interior, and Alexandria Security Directorate, reporting her husband’s disappearance.
This is not the first time Egyptian authorities have detained Mohamed due to his union activities. On October 3, 2022, he was held under Case No. 10233 of 2022, charged with “joining a terrorist group” and “spreading false news,” and was remanded to Borg El Arab prison. The West Alexandria Public Prosecutor later ordered his release on October 24, 2022.
CFJ condemns the Egyptian authorities’ detention of labor activist Shadi Mohamed for his union activities and his forcible disappearance. CFJ expresses full solidarity with him, demanding that the Egyptian authorities disclose his whereabouts, clarify his situation, and immediately release him unconditionally, ensuring a suitable and safe environment for him to pursue his legitimate and peaceful union and labor activities.