UN experts just called out Egypt for keeping activists in legal purgatory after release. Special rapporteurs demand that restrictions on human rights defenders facing travel bans and asset freezes be lifted. They highlight continued terrorism list inclusion for individuals like Gasser Abdel Razek and Mohamed El-Baqer despite pardons. These measures prevent a normalized life after sentences are served or clemency is granted.
Authorities criminalized the defenders under vague counterterrorism legislation, according to the experts. Persistent penalties may violate international covenants prohibiting arbitrary detention. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights staff remain targeted alongside lawyers like Samir Abdel-Hai. He still faces national security designations and movement prohibitions following his pardon.
Systemic human rights issues in Egypt include widespread arbitrary detention and torture. Restrictions on free expression involve prosecuting journalists and enforcing censorship. The UN statement connects individual cases to broader patterns of repression under current laws. Experts argue post release sanctions effectively extend punishment beyond judicial sentences.
Authorities criminalized the defenders under vague counterterrorism legislation, according to the experts. Persistent penalties may violate international covenants prohibiting arbitrary detention. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights staff remain targeted alongside lawyers like Samir Abdel-Hai. He still faces national security designations and movement prohibitions following his pardon.
Systemic human rights issues in Egypt include widespread arbitrary detention and torture. Restrictions on free expression involve prosecuting journalists and enforcing censorship. The UN statement connects individual cases to broader patterns of repression under current laws. Experts argue post release sanctions effectively extend punishment beyond judicial sentences.
