Amnesty: Egypt continues crackdown on freedom of expression 

Amnesty International condemned the Egyptian authorities’ crackdown on freedom of expression and detention of those who declare their solidarity with Palestine.

In a tweet, the right group said: “#Egypt: while denouncing Israel’s attack on #Gaza, authorities maintain a stranglehold on #FreedomofExpression & assembly. They detained a man for raising the #Palestinian flag & a doctor for tweeting about past solidarity protests.”

The organisation criticised the authorities in Egypt for their continued, unjust detention of Palestinian activist Rami Shaath on bogus charges, demanding his release and the release of all those detained for peacefully supporting Palestinian rights.

The authorities in #Egypt also continue to unjustly hold the co-founder of the @BDSmovement Ramy Shaath on bogus charges. Urge @alsisiofficial and @mfaegypt to release Ramy and all those detained for peacefully advocating for #Palestinian rights.

— Amnesty MENA (@AmnestyMENA) May 17, 2021

On Friday, security forces in Egypt arrested a number of people who attempted to protest in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Five have been released on condition that they remain in their homes. The whereabouts of Omar Morsi, however, remain unknown after he told his mother he would be going to Friday prayers and then heading to Tahrir Square to show support for Palestinians.

Security forces arrested Omar as he waved the Palestinian flag and hours later detained female journalist Nour Al-Huda, who was also carrying the Palestinian flag, the keffiyeh wrapped around her neck. Nour was released hours later.

Palestinians in Gaza have been living under an Israeli bombing campaign since 10 May. More than 220 have been killed, including over 60 children, while over 70,000 have been displaced and forced to move into UN schools for refuge. Twelve Israelis have also been killed.

READ: Egypt arrests doctor who volunteered to help Gaza’s wounded