Calls for release of prisoners grow in Egypt despite arrest campaign
Egyptian security forces launched a campaign of arrests against human rights activists, politicians and left-wing activists who had been calling for the release of prisoners in order to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
CAIRO — Egyptian security forces over the last few days have arrested political and human rights activists in Cairo and in several Egyptian governorates who called for the release of prisoners and detainees in places of detention, as they fear the spread of the coronavirus and the threat it poses to the lives of prisoners.
The campaign included the arrest April 1 of prominent political activist Noha Kamal, daughter of Kamal Ahmed, a parliament member in the Alexandria governorate.
Noha has become known by her father's name among political activists. She has a long history in political work and provides humanitarian aid to the families of prisoners of conscience and freedom of expression as part of her personal initiatives.
Also among the arrested is prominent human rights lawyer Mohsen Bahnasi, who has been a lawyer for a number of political detainees during the past few years. He has called via his Facebook account for the immediate release of prisoners.
