Dozens Of Peaceful Protesters Arrested In Egypt; What’s The Reason?

Egypt has arrested dozens of peaceful protesters since the beginning of October 2023, according to a Human Rights Watch report. Arresting peaceful protesters in demonstrations is a blow to human rights. The Egyptian authorities must release peaceful protesters. Any restrictions on peaceful protests are unlawful. The arrests are a reminder of the grim reality of Egypt’s policy of mass arbitrary detention to crush dissent. 

What is the reason behind the protests in Egypt? Why has Egypt arrested peaceful protesters? Can Egyptian authorities’ arrest affect human rights in the country?

Egypt arrests peaceful protesters

Since the beginning of October 2023, the authorities in Egypt have arrested various protesters. The people were solely arrested for joining or calling for peaceful protests. Between October 20 and 24, the Egyptian authorities detained at least 72 peaceful protesters. The Egyptian authorities also arrested 4 children, who participated in nationwide Palestinian solidarity mass protests in Cairo and Alexandria. 

According to a list published by the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF), security forces arrested people because they participated in pro-Palestine protests. The authorities also prevented other people from joining the peaceful protests. 

A 63-year-old participant in the October 20 protest told Human Rights Watch that the authorities randomly arrested people. A 23-year-old participant in the protests was arrested from his home on October 21 without a warrant. The authorities held him incommunicado until October 28.

What is the reason behind the protests in Egypt?

Various protests took place across the country in support of Palestinians. Pro-Palestine protests have rocked the entire nation. Another protest also took place in front of the Education Ministry in Cairo to protest the mass disqualification of thousands of teachers who applied for public school jobs. The authorities arrested at least 10 men and 3 women after dispersing hundreds of protesters.

An anti-government protest also took place in Marsa Matrouh city. Security forces violently dispersed the protest, arresting dozens of people.

In September, Amnesty International called on Egypt for the immediate release of Hisham Kassem. Amnesty International’s Research and Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Philip Luther, said that Hisham Kassem was arrested in August solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression.

As of October 30, the authorities in Egypt arrested 52 people, while releasing 14 others without charge. 

Arbitrary and disproportionate measures must be stopped in the country.