Joint statement

We, the undersigned Egyptian political and civil society organizations, strongly condemn the decision issued on April 18 to include Zyad Elelaimy, former MP and leader within the Egyptian Democratic Party, as well as Ramy Shaath, political activist and human rights defender, on the country’s terrorism lists. Egyptian parties and civil society consider the move to place community leaders, known for their legitimate political activity, on terrorism lists to be an unprecedented escalation.

We, the undersigned organizations, affirm that this continued escalation by Egyptian authorities against the civil current, as well as the exploitation of the Corona Pandemic to crackdown on dissenting voices, weakens Egypt’s ability to deal seriously with the crises it faces. We also warn state authorities of the dangers of completely stifling the political process through their continued terrorisation of peaceful political opposition using twisted methods.

Zyad Elelaimy, a former MP, co-founder of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party and media spokesman for the Revolutionary Youth Alliance, worked tirelessly throughout his career to reject violence and oppose exclusion, stating notably: “We have nothing but boundless love for this country, and unwavering faith in freedom, democracy and social justice, and a true conviction that all citizens are equal. ”

As for Ramy Shaath, the coordinator of the Egyptian Popular Campaign to Boycott Israel (BDS Egypt), his activities were never in conflict with public peace. On the contrary, Ramy co-founded several civil movements and alliances which played an active role in the country’s democratic transition after the January 25 revolution, including the Constitution (Al-Dostour) Party where Shaath served as secretary, the year before it was formally established. In 2015, he co-founded the Egyptian Popular Campaign to Boycott Israel (BDS Egypt).

Today, we raise the question: How can two people whose careers were dedicated to defending social justice, dignity and humanity be placed on terrorism lists? How can they have allegedly committed these so-called “terrorist activities” while being unjustly held in Torah Prison for 9 months without a fair trial or due legal process?
Therefore, we, the undersigned, call on the Egyptian government to immediately release Ramy Shaath and Zyad Elelaimy, remove their names from the terrorism lists, eliminate all consequential measures, and stop the chain of injustice and abuse of their rights.

The Signatories:

Al Dostour Party
Bread and Liberty Party
El-Karama Party
Egyptian Social Democratic Party
Socialist Popular Alliance Party

Egyptian Popular Campaign for the Boycott of Israel – BDS Egypt
National Defense Front for Independence
Revolutionary Socialists

Arabic Network for Human Rights Information
Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression (AFTE)
Beladi Center for Rights and Freedoms
Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms
El Nadim Center Against Violence and Torture
Freedom Initiative

Campaign Free Ramy Shaath
Campaign Free Zyad Elelaimy