Press release
Geneva – February 11, 2024
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) reports a loss of communication with Egyptian political activist Ahmed Hamdi El-Sayed Suleiman, popularly known as “Geka” (28 years old), after his release from the Criminal Court at the Banha Courts Complex on January 22.
Despite the Criminal Court’s ruling supporting Geka’s release on bail amounting to 3000 pounds, promptly paid by his family, he remains in custody. The National Security Services in Qalyub are allegedly unyielding in his release, fueling concerns of a potential recurrence of his arrest.
Geka was initially detained on June 13, 2023, by the Egyptian security services (National Security) while en route to the National Security headquarters in Shubra Al-Kheima for mandated police follow-up. He disappeared forcibly until his presentation to the Qalyub Prosecution on August 11, 2023, resulting in a release decision to ensure his place of residence. Recently, he faced accusations in Case 3117 of 2023 in Kafr Shukr Administrator, involving charges of joining a terrorist group and spreading false news. Notably, he obtained release from this case as well.
Expressing concern over the situation, the CFJ condemns security authorities’ pervasive surveillance exercised on Ahmed Geka. The committee contends that the recurring pattern of his arrest appears to be a systematic policy deployed by Egyptian authorities against those critical of the government from abroad.
CFJ urgently calls on Egyptian authorities to clarify Geka’s current status, cease the repeated detention attempts in fabricated cases, and ensure his immediate release in adherence to the Public Prosecution’s decision. The committee emphasizes respecting judicial decisions and upholding the rule of separation of constitutional powers within the Egyptian legal framework.