NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2011—The Egyptian government should immediately order the release of human rights activists being held by security forces in Cairo, said the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) today following reports of activists from Hisham Mubarak Legal Centre, the Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, among others, being harassed and detained.
"ICTJ denounces the illegal detention of human rights activists in any circumstances and we join our peers in calling for the immediate release of their staff on the ground," said ICTJ President David Tolbert.
As protests have continued in Egypt, the government has deployed less public but increasingly harsh measures of suppression against both national and international media and human rights advocates. Several media outlets are shut down and Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are reporting that they are unaware of the whereabouts of detained staff.
"Egyptians have the right to call for political change without the fear of violence and repression," said Hanny Megally, ICTJ vice president for programs. "The government should immediately put an end to the brutal attacks by its supporters against the peaceful protesters," he said.
ICTJ is following events in the Middle East and North Africa closely. For up-to-date information visit our website at www.ictj.org or see our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/theICTJ.
About ICTJ
The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) works to redress and prevent the most severe violations of human rights by confronting legacies of mass abuse. ICTJ seeks holistic solutions to promote accountability and create just and peaceful societies. For more information, visit www.ictj.org.
Contact
Lisa Jamhoury Communications Associate Tel +1 917 637 3846 Cell +1 917 975 2305 ljamhoury@ictj.org
