Articles by Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS)
The new constitution: Why Egyptians shouldn’t be rejoicing just yet
Egyptian voters have overwhelmingly approved the new military-backed constitution giving General Abdel Fattah El-Sisi the legitimacy he seeks to strengthen the army’s grip on the country. Although it is considered preferable to the last constitution, local rights groups have voiced their reservations regarding its efficacy.
Egyptian activists Ahmed Maher, Mohamed Adel, and Ahmed Douma sentenced to 3 years in jail
On 22 December 2013, the Abdeen Court in Egypt issued a verdict against three activists who were integral to the 25 January revolution to three years in jail and a 50,000 Egyptian pounds [US$7180] fine.
Human rights lawyer Razan Zaitouneh and 3 colleagues abducted in Syria
Four Syrian activists abducted in the Damascus suburbs, apparently in relation to their humanitarian work, must be released immediately and unconditionally, 16 human rights organisations said on 11 December 2013.
Urgent joint appeal for release of prisoners of conscience and all detainees in Syria
Organisations urge the Syrian government to not use the Anti-Terrorism Law or any other law to target human rights defenders, journalists, humanitarian workers and other peaceful activists. The Syrian government should also guarantee in all circumstances that human rights defenders in Syria are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions including judicial harassment.
End unfair imprisonment of Bahraini human rights defender Nabeel Rajab, eligible for early release
A coalition of groups calls on the Bahraini government to free imprisoned human rights defender Nabeel Rajab, jailed since July 2012, who is eligible for conditional release by 29 November 2013.
Egypt sentences 12 student protesters to 17 years in prison
Twelve students at the El Azhar university in Egypt where arrested on 30 October 2013 during demonstrations in which they were protesting the arrest of a number of their colleagues and expressing their opposition to the current Egyptian authority.
Coalition lawyer denied entry to Bahrain to observe rights defender’s trial
Naji Fateel was sentenced to 15 years in prison for “the establishment of a group for the purpose of disabling the constitution.” A lawyer representing regional human rights groups has been denied entry into the country in order to observe Fateel’s appeal.
Concern over rights record of UN Human Rights Council candidates
States that fail to protect human rights defenders or cooperate with the UN should not be elected to the UN’s top human rights body, IFEX members stress.