Amnesty calls for releasing women's rights activists in Egypt

Amnesty International has called on Egyptian authorities to release a number of detained women’s rights activists who were arrested during their participation in a demonstration against a controversial protest law.

The activists include Yara Sallam and Sanaa Seif, along with 20 others, and they are charged with “taking part in a gathering aimed at threatening public peace and damaging property.” They are due to stand trial on 12 September.

“This appears to be yet another show-trial based on scant and dubious evidence that is intended to be a clear warning to anyone who defies Egypt’s protest law,” said Philip Luther, Director of Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Programme.

“The case provides the latest proof of the Egyptian authorities’ determination to quash peaceful protest and stifle all forms of dissent. No one should be detained for peacefully exercising the right to freedom of expression and assembly.”