Leading rights group Amnesty International on Wednesday said the Egyptian authorities have launched the biggest crackdown under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s rule over the last few days rounding up more than 2,300 people.
The Egyptian security forces have arrested hundreds of peaceful protesters including human rights lawyers, journalists, political activists and politicians following a series of anti-government protests in late September. Those arrested include 111 minors, who are aged between 11 and 17 years.
Wednesday’s statement by the rights group said at least 69 detainees face charges including membership in a terrorist group. A large number of them were arrested over charges of disseminating false information, misusing social media and participating in unauthorised protests.
“President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s government has orchestrated this crackdown to crush the slightest sign of dissent and silence every government critic,” said Najia Bounaim, Amnesty’s North Africa campaign director.
Mr. Bounaim added that the wave of unprecedented mass arrests, which included many who were not even involved in the protests, gives a clear message that anyone perceived to pose a threat to Sisi’s government will have to face the consequences.
He said mere participating in a peaceful protest is not a crime and called out the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release anyone detained solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of assembly or expression.
The protests erupted last month in response to a call from businessman Mohamed Ali, a building contractor who posted a series of widely watched videos posted on Facebook and Twitter in which he accused President el-Sisi and his aides of squandering millions of dollars on vanity projects despite rising poverty.
El-Sisi has denied all the allegations saying that he “was honest and faithful” to Egypt and the military. He also downplayed the protests calling them “no reason for concern”.
