Egypt’s Crackdown on Dissent: Prosecuting Prominent Critics for Peaceful Speech

Egypt: Prominent Critic Prosecuted Over Peaceful Speech

September 7, 2023 | By

In a concerning turn of events, Egyptian authorities have recently detained and prosecuted a prominent critic and veteran news publisher, Hisham Kassem. The charges against Kassem appear to be based solely on his peaceful criticism of the government, marking yet another wave of free speech prosecutions in Egypt. This repressive action by the authorities highlights their ongoing efforts to stifle dissent and silence critics.

A Clear Violation of Free Speech

Kassem was detained on August 20, 2023, and quickly referred for an “urgent trial,” which began on September 2. He faces charges of libel and slander related to his online posts critical of a former government minister. However, it is essential to note that Kassem’s criticism was peaceful and non-violent in nature. Human Rights Watch has rightly highlighted the unlawful detention of Kassem and called for his immediate release or the presentation of evidence to support the charges against him.

This case is part of a broader pattern of using criminal defamation laws to silence critics in Egypt. By weaponizing defamation charges, the authorities have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, effectively sending a message that critical speech will lead to imprisonment. This calculated strategy of suppressing opposing voices undermines fundamental principles of freedom of speech and expression.

A Flawed Judicial Process

There are concerning procedural irregularities in Kassem’s trial. His lawyers have reported that they were not given access to the case files before the trial began, hindering their ability to adequately prepare a defense. Additionally, the court barred journalists from attending the trial without explanation. These actions cast doubt on the fairness and transparency of the Egyptian judicial system.

This case mirrors the government’s infamous track record of using defamation charges against journalists and dissidents. In September 2022, four journalists from the independent news website Mada Masr were interrogated on similar charges but released on bail. However, the charges remain in place, leaving the journalists in a state of legal limbo. This pattern of harassment and intimidation extends to the families of dissidents living abroad, as evidenced by the recent arrests of the fathers of Ahmed Gamal Ziada and Fagr al-Adly.

A Call for International Attention

Egypt‘s actions violate international human rights standards and its obligations to protect freedom of speech. The vague provisions on criminal defamation in the Egyptian Penal Code and Telecommunication Regulatory Law provide for disproportionately severe punishments, including up to five years in prison. Such laws lack clarity and fail to set clear boundaries or prohibitions, making it difficult for individuals to ascertain what constitutes a violation.

International bodies, such as the United Nations Human Rights Committee, have consistently criticized laws that criminalize insulting public figures and have stressed the importance of uninhibited expression in the political domain. It is imperative that the international community pays attention to these ongoing human rights abuses in Egypt and applies pressure on the Egyptian government to respect and protect the rights of its citizens.

Conclusion: A Government Determined to Stifle Dissent

The prosecution of Hisham Kassem and the broader crackdown on dissent in Egypt are deeply troubling. While the government occasionally releases a few unjustly detained activists as a show of progress, it continues to systematically target and imprison critics. This oppression seeks to instill fear and silence all Egyptians who dare to voice their opposition.

It is time for the international community to intensify efforts to hold Egypt accountable for its human rights abuses. Governments, human rights organizations, and individuals must come together to condemn these actions and demand the release of those unjustly detained. The protection of freedom of speech and expression is vital for any society to thrive, and it is incumbent upon us all to ensure that these fundamental rights are upheld.

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