01/24/2021 Egypt (International Christian Concern) – Egypt’s foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry, recently commented that no country has the right to interfere in Egypt’s internal affairs, specifically in context to the country’s treatment of prisoners and human rights. ICC previously reported on the increased pressure limiting the freedom of speech in Egypt.
Egypt has largely been criticized for its incarceration rates of human rights advocates as well as the treatment of prisoners. A recent propaganda ploy video attempts to negate the reports of mistreatment of prisoners. A delegation of journalists and organizations were taken on a tour of Lyman Tora, Egypt’s prison in the capital. The Prison Authority claimed that during their visit a seminar for Christian inmates was held.
However, this heavily slanted video, fails to account for prisoners like Abd Adel Bebawy. Bebawy, who was accused of blasphemy for posting a video insulting Islam to Facebook, has now been imprisoned for over three years, serving one year past his originally scheduled release date of January 22, 2020. Authorities claim he is still being held for security concerns, for fear that his release could incite a mob. However, Bebawy’s family no longer lives there and has no intent to return to the village.
Egypt’s treatment of prisoners and unjust incarcerations of Christians showcases their disregard for human rights.
