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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 78368, member: 636"] Human Rights Watch demanded Egypt overturn the prison sentence for economist Abd al-Khaliq Farouk. The group cited severe free speech and due process violations, noting his lawyers were blocked from reviewing his extensive case file. An Egyptian court convicted him earlier this month for criticizing state economic policies and the military's financial role. A researcher for HRW stated the prosecution treats economic analysis as a crime, reflecting broader repression. Farouk was sentenced under statutes criminalizing the spread of false information. His appeal is scheduled for late December. The organization argues Egypt breaches international human rights treaties that protect expression and guarantee fair trials. The outcome of this appeal may affect other detained government critics. International bodies have previously condemned Egypt's judicial system for silencing dissent. [/QUOTE]