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Egypt’s rap sheet of rights abuses gets longer

Despite recently winning a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, Egypt has been broadly criticized for austere measures that violate civil rights, and a new report adds further documentation.

Security forces detain a young man who was holding an electoral advertisement outside a school used as a polling station in Alexandria, Egypt, October 18, 2015. Egypt's long-awaited parliamentary election got off to a slow start on Sunday, marking the final step in a process that was meant to restore democracy but which critics say has been undermined by state repression. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih - RTS4XVX
Security forces detain a young man who was holding an electoral advertisement outside a school used as a polling station in Alexandria, Egypt, October 18, 2015. — REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih

CAIRO — Many Egyptians live in fear because of the repressive practices of Egyptian security forces. Still, in June, Egyptian diplomat Ahmed Fathallah was granted a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Committee, which Egyptian authorities touted as a sign of international acceptance.

Yet the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR), which is affiliated with the Egyptian government, believes Egypt has not achieved any improvements regarding freedom and human rights. In its annual report, issued July 3, the NCHR indicates human rights issues are not a high priority for the government.

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