Ten years after the Tahrir square protests in Cairo, Egypt’s human rights record is disastrous. On the occasion of the anniversary of the 2011 revolution, several international campaigns are calling for the release of imprisoned activists. By Sofian Philip Naceur
Solidarity with those who resist
Eight politicians from Germany s left-wing party – Die Linke – have signed a solidarity statement calling for the immediate release of all political detainees, which explicitly highlights the fate of six detained leftist activists, journalists and trade unionists. According to the statement published on the anniversary of the revolution, Egyptian leftists were the ones who carried the confrontations with the regime into factories and workplaces in 2011. “Their efforts contributed to organising strikes which ultimately forced Hosni Mubarak to resign.”
Since Sisi’s takeover, fundamental civil liberties have been suspended and tens of thousands of people imprisoned for political reasons, the statement highlights. This includes Islamists, liberals, leftists, trade unionists, media professionals and human rights defenders. “Independent trade unions and youth organisations have been dismantled” and torture in Egyptian police stations rem