Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) welcomes the safe departure of Egyptian activist Mariam Abdelbasette and her three children from the Sultanate of Oman, following months of security, legal, and humanitarian challenges faced by the family, amid serious concerns over the risk of forcible return to Egypt.
This development follows months of legal representation, human rights advocacy, and international campaigning undertaken after the deportation of her husband, Ahmed Moussa, to Egypt on 9 April 2026, after which he has been subjected to enforced disappearance. During the same period, Mariam was prevented from traveling, threatened with deportation, and faced prolonged delays in obtaining the necessary documentation for her newborn child.
LDSF believes that the measures taken against Mariam were linked to her peaceful political activities and her exercise of the right to freedom of expression through participation in online platforms and campaigns calling for peaceful political change in Egypt. Her case forms part of a broader pattern of transnational repression targeting Egyptian dissidents and activists living in exile.
Over recent months, Mariam was able to secure all official documentation required for her child, removing the obstacles that had prevented her from leaving Oman with her children.
The case attracted significant international attention. Six United Nations experts and special procedures mandate holders issued two official communications to the governments of Egypt and Oman, expressing concerns regarding enforced disappearance, non-refoulement obligations, freedom of expression, and the use of cross-border security cooperation mechanisms against political opponents and human rights defenders.
This positive development is the result of coordinated efforts involving lawyers, human rights organizations, UN mechanisms, diplomatic actors, and media outlets that closely followed the case and contributed to mobilizing international attention and support.
LDSF extends its sincere appreciation to all partners who contributed to these efforts. The Foundation wishes to express particular gratitude to distinguished international lawyer Ben Keith, who provided pro bono legal representation and support to Mariam, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to defending victims of transnational repression and upholding fundamental human rights. The Foundation also acknowledges the important role played by UN experts and Special Procedures mandate holders.
While this development is welcome, LDSF stresses that justice remains incomplete as long as Ahmed Moussa continues to be subjected to enforced disappearance following his deportation to Egypt. His family and legal representatives remain deprived of any information regarding his fate or whereabouts.
LDSF therefore renews its call on the Egyptian authorities to immediately disclose Ahmed Moussa’s fate and whereabouts and to ensure that his family and lawyers are granted access to communicate with him without delay.
The case of Mariam Abdelbasette underscores the critical importance of solidarity and cooperation among human rights organizations, lawyers, international mechanisms, and diplomatic actors in confronting transnational repression and protecting individuals targeted for the peaceful exercise of their fundamental rights.
LDSF further emphasizes the need to continue efforts aimed at uncovering the fate of Ahmed Moussa and all other victims of enforced disappearance in Egypt, while strengthening protection and support for those affected by transnational repression.
Further Information:
