Cairo: Human rights groups have voiced concern over the arrest of a Coptic Christian activist in Egypt, on terrorism-related charges. Critics argue the arrest is an attempt to silence those who disagree with the government. Ramy Kamel, founder of the human rights organization Maspero Youth Union, was arrested on Saturday by seven police officers. He faced charges of joining a terrorist group, publishing false news, and receiving foreign funding, AFP reported.
On Monday, the prosecution issued an order for a 15 day-long provisional detention while the investigation is pending. Human rights activists in recent years have warned repeatedly that Christians are enduring persecution and violence from Muslim groups, and the government has neglected to act. Coptic Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s Muslim-majority population.
Mina Thabet, a human rights activist and member of Maspero Youth Union, told the Middle East Eye that Kamel had been threatened two weeks ago by authorities, who demanded the activist stop posting these videos on social media or face jail time.
He said the arrest follows a pattern under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. “This is the typical approach by the Sisi government in branding all its opponents as terrorists,” Thabet told Middle East Eye. “The Sisi government is waging a war against its opposition, rather than a war against terrorism.” The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom denounced the arrest, calling it a violation of religious liberty and freedom of speech.
