The undersigned human rights organizations express their strong condemnation and profound concern over the escalating campaign of repression against freedom of expression and solidarity with the people of Gaza in Egypt.
This campaign has recently manifested in the detention of Turkish international lawyer Mehmet Akif Can , three Algerian lawyers— Mustafaoui Samir , Mohammed Atef Briki , and Abbas Abdulnour —who traveled to Egypt in solidarity with Gaza, as well as the denial of entry to European delegations, the detention of other citizens from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, and the expulsion of numerous participants in the ”Convoy of Steadfastness.”
These repressive measures, which extend beyond individuals to target delegations of various nationalities, send a dangerous message regarding the Egyptian authorities’ stance toward any form of humanitarian solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
The undersigned organizations demand that the Egyptian authorities provide immediate and transparent clarification regarding the whereabouts of international lawyer Mehmet Akif Can , the reasons for his arrest, and the full guarantee of his legal rights.
The detention of a prominent international lawyer known for his human rights work and advocacy for humanitarian causes, along with others standing in solidarity with Gaza’s people—who are enduring catastrophic humanitarian conditions—sends an extremely negative message about the environment for legal and human rights work in Egypt.
Freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and solidarity with just humanitarian causes are fundamental and non-negotiable rights, enshrined in international laws and constitutions to which Egypt is a signatory.
The undersigned organizations demand that the Egyptian authorities:
- Immediately and unconditionally release lawyer Mehmet Akif Can and all detained individuals held solely for their peaceful solidarity with Gaza, unless credible evidence of internationally recognized crimes is presented.
- Disclose their detention locations promptly and allow them to communicate with their lawyers, families, and consular representatives.
- Ensure their physical and psychological safety throughout detention.
- Halt all restrictions on the rights to expression, peaceful assembly, and humanitarian solidarity.
- Cease targeting lawyers, activists, and human rights defenders , ensuring a safe environment for them to operate without fear of reprisal.
The undersigned human rights organizations call on the international community, including the United Nations, intergovernmental organizations, and member states , to pressure the Egyptian government to uphold human rights, including lawyers’ freedom to perform their duties independently, and to end all suppression of humanitarian solidarity—particularly amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Signed International Human Rights Organizations:
- EFDI International – Belgium
- Victims of Torture – Geneva
- Justice for Human Rights – Turkey
- Tawasul for Human Rights – Netherlands
- El-Shehab for Human Rights – London
- Free Voice – Paris
- Human Rights Monitor – London
- Alkarama for Human Rights – Geneva
- Arab Observatory for Media Freedom – London
- Egyptian Rights Council – Geneva
- Najda for Human Rights – London
- Solidarity for Human Rights – Geneva