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.
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.
The report highlights pre-trial detentions, the conditions of prisons and detention centers, and the prevalent issuance of death sentences that are later shown to be unwarranted.
The report pointed out that military trials are being held for civilians. It also cited the issue of illegal detentions and said there is a double standard in how the law is applied to public officials.
