Arbitrary arrest,…
We've written to the Ambassador of Myanmar with concerns about the military coup that took place in Myanmar and the violent repression of protesters.
The president of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
We’re concerned about acts of harassment against Azza Soliman, a human rights lawyer and founder of the Centre for Egyptian Women’s Legal Assistance (CEWLA).
We understand that on 19 November 2016, Ms Soliman was prevented from leaving Egypt through Cairo Airport. Her personal assets and those of CEWLA were frozen.
On 7 December 2016, a judge issued a warrant for her arrest and she was taken to Masr el Gedida police station.
We’re also aware that she was later brought before an investigative judge, but it was unclear at that stage what charges had been brought against her.
Ms Soliman was bailed pending investigation for her alleged involvement in receiving illegal foreign funding “with the aim of harming national security, founding an illegal entity engaging in NGO activities and tax evasion”.
On 12 December 2016, a hearing took place and Ms Soliman brought evidence to counteract those allegations.
It’s been reported that the court’s ruling was postponed until 11 January 2017.
We’re alarmed that these actions can be construed to be acts of judicial harassment, directed at Ms Soliman because of her work as a human rights lawyer.
We urged the Egyptian authorities to:
November 2016 – Ms Soliman was prevented from leaving Egypt and her assets were frozen
December 2016 – Ms Soliman was arrested, detained and bailed pending investigation. A hearing took place, but the court’s ruling was postponed