Press Release
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has expressed serious concerns over Moroccan authorities’ intentions to deport Egyptian-Turkish citizen Dr. Abd El-Basset Imam, a professor of urological surgery, to Egypt. The committee stated that such a decision would represent a blatant violation of Morocco’s commitments under international laws and agreements that prohibit forced deportations to countries where individuals are at risk of torture, harsh treatment, or enforced disappearance.
– Case background:
Dr. Abd El-Basset Imam, 62, has been detained in Morocco since his arrival at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca on November 3, 2024, traveling with his Turkish passport. Despite entering the country for tourism purposes with a valid passport, he was arrested based on an Egyptian arrest warrant issued on September 30, 2024. He is awaiting a court session to determine whether he will be deported to Egypt.
Dr. Imam faces significant risks if deported to Egypt, where previously deported individuals have been subjected to torture, enforced disappearance, or extrajudicial killing.
He was sentenced in absentia to 25 years in prison in a politically motivated case. Dr. Imam is also known for his outspoken criticism of the Egyptian authorities, particularly after the death of his son during the dispersal of the Rabaa al-Adawiya sit-in in 2013.
– Calls for adherence to international law and his immediate release:
CFJ bases its opposition to Moroccan actions against Dr. Imam on several international treaties and agreements prohibiting forced deportation. These include:
– Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they are likely to face torture.
– Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which bans torture and cruel or degrading treatment.
– The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which ensures protection against torture and enforced disappearance.
CFJ highlighted Egypt’s poor human rights record, citing systematic abuses including torture and enforced disappearances. The committee emphasized that deporting Dr. Imam would violate the principle of non-refoulement, a binding norm under international law.
CFJ calls on Moroccan authorities to halt all arbitrary actions against Dr. Imam, release him immediately and unconditionally, and ensure his safety. The committee also urged the international community to pressure Morocco to uphold its international obligations.
CFJ also drew attention to similar cases of political opponents deported from other countries to Egypt, which resulted in severe violations, including torture and enforced disappearance. The committee warned that Morocco risks international criticism if it continues such practices.
