Christian Entity Lauds Release of Egyptian Researcher after 22 months in Detention

A State Security Misdemeanour court in al Mansoura governorate ordered Mr. Zaki’s release pending trial after a hearing on December 7. The court also scheduled his next hearing for 1 February 2022.

In the December 15 report, Mr. Mervyn urges the court to drop all charges against Mr. Zaki. 

“We renew our call for the charges against Mr. Zaki to be dropped, and for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained on similarly excessive charges for simply exercising their right to freedom of expression,” the CSW official says. 

In September, CSW officials called for Mr. Zaki’s “unconditional release.”

They further urged the Egyptian government “to allow all those working to defend and uphold human rights in the country to do so without harassment or intimidation.” 

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Egypt has been in the limelight for violating the rights of human rights activists by unlawfully detaining them for long periods. 

In 2019, authorities in the Northeastern African nation raided Rami Kamil’s house in Cairo and arrested him. 

He was accused of joining a terrorist organization, disturbing public order, inciting the public against the State and using social media to stir up sectarian tensions between Muslims and Christians.

Mr. Kamil's detention has been renewed several times. 

In September, CSW Founder President described the extended detentions as "an effort to penalize him for his work as a human rights defender."