Cairo, 27 November, 2019 / 7:01 pm (ACI Africa).
Human rights groups have voiced concern over the arrest of a Coptic Christian activist in Egypt, on terrorism-related charges. Critics argue the arrest is an attempt to silence those who disagree with the government.
Ramy Kamel, founder of the human rights organization Maspero Youth Union, was arrested on Saturday by seven police officers. He faced charges of joining a terrorist group, publishing false news, and receiving foreign funding, AFP reported.
On Monday, the prosecution issued an order for a 15 day-long provisional detention while the investigation is pending.
Kamel had shared footage on Facebook of alleged sectarian violence in Southern Egypt, depicting Coptic Christians being forced out by local Muslims, suggesting that local authorities had turned a blind eye to the violence. Kamel’s Facebook page was deactivated after his arrest.
Human rights activists in recent years have warned repeatedly that Christians are enduring persecution and violence from Muslim groups, and the government has neglected to act. Coptic Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s Muslim-majority population.
