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Extending the detention of the Egyptian Blogger Kareem Amer
The Remand of Kareem Embodies Egyptian Government Hostility to Freedom of Expression Cairo - 22 November 2006 The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (HRinfo) condemns the remand of Kareem Amer for additional fifteen days, only because he practiced his basic right to express his "own thoughts" on his blog! Mohram Bek Court considered today the extension of Kareem's detention for additional fifteen days (until 6 December). That is in spite of the defense arguments provided by HRinfo lawyer and the lack of justifications for detention. Firstly, Kareem went to the Prosecutor Office when he was called to be questioned on 7 November. Secondly, there are no criminal evidences that Kareem might attempt to change if he is released. The interrogation with Kareem today has proceeded in the same direction; trying to enforce him to change his thoughts and then punishing him for adopting such ideas by re-detaining him for an additional third period. "Remand is enacted as a necessity when the court fears that the accused might escape or tamper with the criminal evidences claimed against him. In the case of Kareem, this is not applicable. Remand, here, is used as a penalty for Kareem's belief in some ideas which are disproved by the Egyptian government. The detention of any person simply for holding and expressing different ideas reflects government's hostility to freedom of expression. This requires more struggle to establish this right" HRinfo Executive Director; Gamal Eid said. The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information calls upon civil society and freedom of expression advocates in Egypt and all over the glob to urge the Egyptian government to respect its international obligations through elimination of detention penalty in opinion claims and immediate release of Kareem Amer. |
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