# Law and Democracy Support Foundation e.V.


## Posts

- [The prosecution of content creators in Egypt under the pretext of 'family values' reveals the Public Prosecution's complicity in advocating for Hisba cases instead of countering them.](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/08/03/03-08-25-1/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) strongly condemns the Egyptian authorities’ continued and escalating hostility
- [Joint Letter to the Egyptian Ambassador to the U.S. Urging Action on the Ongoing Detention of Galal El-Behairy](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/07/31/joint-letter-to-the-egyptian-ambassador-to-the-u-s-urging-action-on-the-ongoing-detention-of-galal-el-behairy/): On July 31, 2025, PEN America and 10 human rights organizations wrote to the Egyptian Ambassador to
- [Egypt: Escalating Hostility Toward Freedom of Expression Now Targets Regime Insiders](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/07/23/23-07-25-1/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation condemns the removal of Al-Azhar Sheikh’s statement, suspension of TV
- [Voices from Exile | Sayed El-Mansy](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/07/21/21-07-25-1/): “I got out of prison, but I never got out of fear.” With this sentence,
- [LDSF: US Sanctions on UN Rapporteur Albanese Threaten Global Human Rights Mechanisms](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/07/11/11-07-25-1/): LDSF expressed its deep distress over the decision by the United States to impose sanctions
- [Rights Groups Call on Egyptian Authorities to Immediately Release Dr. Salah Soltan and All Wrongfully Detained Prisoners Sentenced in Case No. 1766 of 2022](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/07/10/10-07-25-2/): We, the undersigned organizations, are deeply alarmed by the news that Egyptian academic and U.S.
- [No Justice Without Accountability — A State Cannot Be Built on the Bones of Its Children](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/07/10/10-07-25-1/): Rights Organizations Demand the Dismissal of the Minister of Transport and an Independent, Urgent Investigation
- [Algeria: Law and Democracy Support Foundation Condemns the Court of Appeal’s Decision Upholding the Five-Year Prison Sentence Against Writer Boualem Sansal](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/07/05/05-07-25-2/): The Law and Democracy Support Foundation strongly condemns the decision of the Algerian Court of
- [Egypt: Translator and Researcher Marwa Arafa Referred to Criminal Trial After Over 5 Years in Pre-Trial Detention](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/07/05/05-07-25-1/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation today expressed its grave concern over the decision by the
- [Policy Paper: Tackling Transnational Repression in Germany](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/06/27/policy-paper-tackling-transnational-repression-in-germany/): Tackling Transnational Repression in Germany A Policy Paper by the Coalition Against Transnational Repression in
- [Rights organizations call on Egypt to end transnational repression against exiled journalist Basma Mostafa](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/06/24/transnational-repression/): We, the undersigned organizations, call on the Egyptian government to immediately end its campaign of
- [Egypt: President Sisi bears direct responsibility for the fate of Laila Soueif and political prisoners ](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/06/24/egypt-president-sisi-bears-direct-responsibility-for-the-fate-of-laila-soueif-and-political-prisoners/): The undersigned organizations hold President Abdelfattah al-Sisi personally responsible for the life of Laila Soueif,
- [NGOs voice fears for hundreds of foreign nationals at risk of imminent execution in Saudi Arabia ](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/06/17/17-06-25-1/): We, the undersigned organisations, are gravely fearful for the lives of hundreds of prisoners threatened
- [Egypt: Actions Against Gaza March Reflect Broader Crackdown on Dissent](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/06/12/12-04-25-1/): As of June 12, Egyptian authorities persist in their detention and deportation of dozens of
- [LDSF Condemns the Israeli Occupation Forces’ Raid on the Ship “Madeline” and Demands the Immediate Release of Its Crew and Disclosure of Their Whereabouts](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/06/09/09-04-25/): Berlin, June 9, 2025 LDSF strongly condemns the raid carried out by Israeli occupation forces
- [In absentia verdict against politician Hisham Kassem reinforces growing pattern of transnational repression targeting exiled dissidents](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/05/21/21-5-25-h/): The undersigned organizations unequivocally condemn the verdict issued in absentia on 14 May 2025 by
- [Egypt: Tantawi’s interrogation in connection with new cases reflects the authorities’ continued persecution of dissidents](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/05/20/20-05-25-1/): As opposition politician Ahmed al-Tantawi’s detention is set to expire on 27 May, the undersigned
- [As Trump visits Saudi Arabia, groups call for the kingdom to end repression of journalists ](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/05/12/12-05-25-2/): May 12, 2025 As global attention turns to U.S. President Donald Trump’s first international visit
- [Egypt: Thousands Referred to Terrorism Courts Amid Absence of Fair Trial Safeguards and Deepening Crisis of Judicial Independence](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/05/12/12-5-25-1/): Early May marked the beginning of the trials of defendants referred to the terrorism circuit
- [Egypt: Parliament Passes New Code of Criminal Procedures, Institutionalizes Nation’s Human Rights Crisis ](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/04/30/30-04-24-2/): On Tuesday 29 April, the Egyptian Parliament adopted a new code of criminal procedures, a
- [Rights organizations condemn violations in Badr 3 as multiple prisoners attempt suicide amid surge of restrictions, harassment, and medical neglect](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/04/30/30-04-25-1/): The undersigned organizations are alarmed by the escalating human rights violations inside the Badr Correction
- [Rights Groups Warn Against Designating Egypt as a Safe Country of Origin ](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/04/29/29-04-25-1/): The undersigned organizations find the European Commission’s April 16, 2025 proposal to establish a Union-wide
- [Egypt: Ahead of Ahmed Aboul Fotouh’s trial, rights organizations demand the dismissal of the retaliatory case against him](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/04/27/27-04-25-1/): The undersigned human rights organizations are gravely concerned as the trial of Ahmed Aboul Fotouh
- [Egypt: Law and Democracy Support Calls for the Immediate Release of Translator Marwa Arafa and Her Reunion with Her Daughter.](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/04/27/27-04-25ma/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation condemns the continued detention and prosecution of translator Marwa Arafa,
- [Egyptian Civil Society Organizations Demand Transparency from ACHPR Regarding Country Rapporteur’s Visit to Egypt](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/04/25/25-04-25-1/): Egyptian human rights organizations have expressed serious concern in letter sent to ACHPR about the
- [Egypt: 14human rights organizations demand justice for the extrajudicial killing of two young persons and the arbitrary arrest of dozens of women in Marsa Matrouh](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/04/19/19-04-25-1/): The undersigned organizations express their solidarity to the people of Marsa Matrouh governorate in Egypt
- [Urgent Appeal for the Immediate Release of Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/04/09/9-04-25-1/): To: ● Right Honourable David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary ● Her Excellency Kaja Kallas, High Representative of
- [Bulgaria: Saudi activist at risk of deportation](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/03/10/10-03-25-1/): March 10, 2025 Law and Democracy Support Foundation and 19 organisations call on Bulgarian authorities
- [Egypt: In a Letter to the President, Writers, Journalists, and Human Rights Leaders Call for the Release of Alaa Abd El-Fattah and the Protection of Laila Soueif](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/03/04/04-03-25laa/): His Excellency Abdel Fattah el-SisiPresident of the Arab Republic of EgyptOffice of the PresidentAl Ittihadiya
- [Joint Statement: The Blocking of Zawia 3 is a Serious Escalation in Egypt’s Restrictions on Press Freedom](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/02/28/28-02-25-1/): The undersigned human rights organizations and media outlets express our deep concern about the Egyptian
- [Urgent Demand to Stop Executions and Investigate Human Rights Abuses in Saudi Arabia](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/02/27/27-02-25-1/): We, the undersigned organizations, are gravely concerned about the imminent execution of dozens of prisoners
- [Egypt: After His Health Deteriorates, “Law and Democracy Support” Calls for the Release of Labor Activist Shady Mohamed](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/02/25/25-02-25sh/): The authorities must take full responsibility for his safety and well-being and end the use
- [Egypt: LDSF calls for disclosure of the fate of Egyptian-Libyan human rights activist Nasser Al-Hawari.](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/02/18/18-02-egylib/): Berlin, February 18, 2025 Law and Democracy Support Foundation condemns the disappearance of Egyptian-Libyan human rights
- [15 NGOs including “LDSF” call on the Arab Interior Ministers Council “AIMC“ to end its role in transnational repression.](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/02/17/17-02-25-1/): The undersigned organisations call on the Arab Interior Ministers’ Council (AIMC) to cease its facilitation
- [Open letter to States on the draft resolution on human rights defenders](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/02/14/14-02-25-1/): At its current session, the UN Human Rights Council will discuss a draft resolution on human
- [Urgent appeal to End the Enforced Disappearance of Poet Abdulrahman Yusuf El-Qaradawi and calling for His release](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/02/06/6-02-25-1/): To:   Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the President of the United Arab
- [Egypt: Government’s rights record under UN scrutiny and countries call for far-reaching reforms, as civil society denounces brutal repression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/02/03/03-02-25-1/): The fourth comprehensive review of Egypt’s human rights file before the United Nations in Geneva ended yesterday
- [Joint letter to Secretary Rubio urgently calls united States to help secure release of Ahmed Kamel](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/01/30/30-01-25-1/): The Honorable Marco Rubio Secretary of State 2201 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20520 Dear
- [Egyptian Government Sends Clear Message Ahead of UN Review: Human Rights Reform Off the Table ](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/01/21/21-01-25-1/): For well over a decade, our organizations have regularly analyzed and documented developments concerning Egypt’s
- [Human Rights Groups Urge Disclosure of Abdulrahman Al-Qaradawi’s Fate, Demand His Release and  Call for Accountability for the UAE and Lebanon for His Physical and Mental Safety](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/01/10/10-01-25-1/): The undersigned organizations express their deep concern over the disappearance of journalist and poet Abdulrahman Youssef
- [Joint Letter Calls for Urgent Congressional Action to Prevent Extradition of Abdel Rahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/01/08/08-01-25-1/): The Honorable John ThuneMajority LeaderU.S. SenateWashington, DC 20510 The Honorable Mike JohnsonSpeakerU.S. House of RepresentativesWashington,
- [Open Letter TO CONGRESS AND THE INCOMING PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION Regarding US Sanctions on the ICC](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/01/06/06-01-25-1/): January 6, 2025 To Members of the 119th Congress and the incoming Presidential Administration of
- [Egypt: Political Participation Exclusion and Transnational Repression ](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/01/01/egypt-political-participation-exclusion-and-transborder-repression/): Universal Periodic Review Session 48 For years, Egypt has been experiencing a severe and continuous
- [Petition to Demand the Immediate Release of Poet Abdel Rahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi and an End to Transnational Repression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/12/29/29-12-24-1/): 29 December 2024 We, the undersigned individuals and organizations, express our strong condemnation of the
- [Human Rights Organizations: Right to Return for North Sinai Residents is Fundamental, and Military Trials are invalid](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/12/23/23-12-24-1/): The signatories condemn in the strongest terms the harsh and unjust sentences issued by a
- [Egypt: Joint report on mounting human rights crisis 12 rights groups present recommendations to the Egyptian government as the UN review of its rights record approaches](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/12/18/uprjoint/): On 17 December 2024, thirteen Egyptian human rights organizations published a joint report on the
- [Joint Statement for the State Crime of Pylos 56 NGOs: The state crime of Pylos will neither be forgotten nor forgiven.](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/12/13/13-12-24-1/): One and a half year has passed since the state crime near Pylos was committed,
- [We warn of the serious risks posed by passing the proposed Foreign Asylum Law in its current form and urge that it be opened for public debate before proceeding](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/11/15/15-11-24-1/): The undersigned human rights organisations express their categorical rejection of the draft law regulating foreigners’
- [The Criminal Procedure Law Project Undermines Justice and Establishes More Trials Without Fair Guarantees](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/10/25/25-10-25-1/): The undersigned organizations reject the current version of the Criminal Procedure Law project and demand
- [Egypt: Forcibly disappeared for 2000 days, student Ahmed Hassan Mustafa’s fate must be disclosed](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/10/03/03-10-2024/): The undersigned human rights organizations are deeply concerned over the continued disappearance of student Ahmed
- [NGOs voice fears for dozens of Egyptian prisoners, and hundreds of others, facing execution for drugs-related offenses in Saudi Arabia](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/09/12/12-09-24/): We, the undersigned organisations, are gravely fearful for the lives of hundreds of prisoners threatened
- [Rights organizations condemn spate of Egyptian journalist arrests, demand immediate release, accountability](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/09/09/09-09-24-2/): Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), along with 33 rights and press freedom organizations, condemns the
- [Egypt: Release Mohamed Adel, as Activist’s Health Deteriorates in Detention](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/09/09/09-09-24-1/): Egypt: Release Mohamed Adel, as Activist’s Health Deteriorates in Detention The undersigned human rights organizations
- [Egypt: Reforming arbitrary pretrial detention requires political will over legal formalities ](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/08/26/26-08-24-1/): The recent initiatives undertaken by the Egyptian authorities to amend the maximum duration of pretrial
- [Human Rights Organizations’ Report to the UN Universal Periodic Review Egypt: Whitewashing Campaigns Fail to Conceal Human Rights Crisis](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/08/22/22-08-24-1/): Ten Egyptian human rights organizations submitted a joint report on the human rights situation in
- [Gegen Einschüchterung und Bedrohung: 11 Organisationen gründen “Koalition gegen Transnationale Repression in Deutschland“](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/08/12/12-08-24-1/): Am heutigen Montag schließen sich 11 Menschenrechts- und Diaspora-Organisationen zur „Koalition gegen Transnationale Repression in
- [Human Rights Organizations Condemn Crackdown on Egyptian Journalists, and Warn of Widening Press Freedom Violations](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/08/07/07-08-24-1/): The undersigned organizations condemn the repeated security crackdown on and prosecution and enforced disappearance of
- [Joint Statement – Rights Groups Alarmed by Inhumane and Life-Threatening Conditions in Egypt’s Badr Prison](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/08/01/01-08-24-1/): We, the undersigned organizations, are profoundly concerned by the recent and rapid deterioration of conditions
- [Egypt | Ongoing Crackdown on the Press: Caricaturist Ashraf Omar Arrested and Journalist Khaled Mamdouh Detained for 15 Days After 6 Days](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/07/22/22-07-24pre/): In recent days, has witnessed an intensified crackdown on the press. The independent website “Al-Manassa”
- [Release Egyptian journalist Mohamed Saeed Fahmy now!](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/07/03/03-07-24prca/): marks the completion of  6  years in pretrialToday  detention for Egyptian journalist Mohamed Saeed Fahmy, related
- [Law and Democracy Support Foundation: Governments and the United Nations must recognize transnational repression as a threat to human rights.](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/07/03/03-07-24-1/): At the 56th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, 45 countries issued a joint statement condemning transnational
- [Egypt: After ongoing Persecutions Against Political Activist Mahmoud Mohamed, the Egyptian President Must Immediately Pardon Him](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/06/30/30-06-24ma/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) condemns the ruling by the Supreme State Security Court
- [Release Egyptian journalist Badr Mohamed Badr now!](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/06/21/21-06-24prca/): Journalist Badr Mohamed Badr completed seven years in pretrial detention last March, where he is under investigation in several
- [Release Egyptian journalist Kareem Ibrahim now!](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/06/16/16-06-24prc/): Egyptian journalist Kareem Ibrahim completed 4 years behind bars in pretrial detention.In April 2020, security forces arrested
- [Egypt: UN experts call on government to stop targeting and retaliating against human rights lawyers](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/06/11/11-06-24-1/): The undersigned organizations support the letter by five UN Special Rapporteurs, published on 19 May 2024,
- [Release Journalist Sherif Abdel Mohsen](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/06/10/10-06-24preca/): Today, Egyptian journalist Sherif Abdel-Mohsen Abdel-Moneim completes 3 years in pretrial detention, despite surpassing the maximum period for pretrial
- [Release Egyptian journalist Donia Samir now!](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/05/30/30-5-24prec/): Egyptian journalist Donia Samir has been imprisoned for two years since her arrest on May 27, 2022. She
- [Egyptian Authorities Continue Retaliation Against Sisi’s Presidential Election Rivals](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/05/29/29-05-24tan/): Sentencing Ahmed Tantawi and Campaign Members to One Year in Prison, Barring Tantawi from Running
- [Release Journalist Medhat Ramadan Now!](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/05/28/28-05-24precam/): Samir faces charges including membership in a terrorist organization, spreading false news and information, and misusing
- [In light of Israel’s increasing starvation crimes, famine in Gaza Strip must be officially declared](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/05/25/25-05-24-1/): Palestinian Territory – Famine must be declared in the Gaza Strip by all relevant official authorities
- [Release Egyptian journalist Tawfik Ghanem Now!](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/05/23/23-05-24pressc/): Journalist Tawfiq Ghanem has completed 3 years of pretrial detention in connection with Case No. 238 of 2021
- [Release Egyptian journalists now!](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/05/22/22-05-24press/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) is launching a campaign titled “Free the Journalists” to demand the
- [Jordan: LDSF Condemns the Arrest of Journalist Hiba Abu Taha Due to Her Reporting](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/05/22/22-05-24jo/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation ( LDSF) condemns the detention of Jordanian journalist Heba Abu
- [Egypt: Immediately and unconditionally release prominent political activist Mohamed Adel](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/05/08/08-05-24-1/): The undersigned human rights organizations reiterate their call on the Egyptian authorities to immediately and
- [Egypt: 2,000 days of arbitrary detention for human rights defender Hoda Abdel-Moneim](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/04/29/29-04-24-1/): 29 April 2024 The undersigned human rights organizations and the FreeHoda Campaign condemn the prolonged
- [State Security Decides to Release Detainees from Solidarity Demonstrations for Gaza and Sudan on Bail](https://ldsf.info/blog/2024/04/24/24-04-24-11/): Cairo – Today, Wednesday, the Supreme State Security Prosecution in Cairo decided to release all
- [LDSF Issues Report on Monitoring the Candidate Endorsement Stage for Presidential Elections.. Violations Undermine the Integrity of the Entire Electoral Process](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/12/10/elections/): Berlin, December 10, 2023, The Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF )has released a report
- [Bahrain and Egypt’s National Human Rights Institutions do not comply with the Paris Principles](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/10/23/23-10-23-1/): To: the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)
- [International and Arab failure to prevent the annihilation of the Palestinian people must end](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/10/21/21-10-23-1/): A Joint Statement by 48 Human Rights Organizations from Eight Arab Countries The undersigned Arab
- [Egyptian presidential elections: Sisi issued a decree to amend the composition of the National Elections Authority](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/10/05/05-10-2023-11/):  Jamila Ismail canceled her visit to parliament due to restrictions imposed on her and the
- [Egyptian presidential elections: the discrimination between potential candidates continued and Tantawi’s supporters were prevented from issuing endorsements](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/10/02/02-10-23-111/): Sisi announces his candidacy for the presidential elections amid ovation from state institutions and media.
- [Presidential Elections in Egypt: Refusal to Issue Endorsements Persists Alongside Physical Assaults](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/09/30/30-09-23-22/): Berlin, September 30, 2023 Today, the Law and Democracy Support Foundation documented the ongoing refusal
- [The Presidential elections in Egypt: physical attacks, bureaucratic obstacles, and prevention of issuing endorsements for Ahmed Tantawi](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/09/29/29-09-23-dj/): Berlin, September 29, 2023 Law and Democracy Support Foundation monitored Today, Policemen in civilian clothes
- [Physical attacks and refusal to issue endorsements for Jamila Ismail, Ahmed Tantawi, and Farid Zahran](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/09/28/28-09-23-kdk/): Legal actions from Ahmed Tantawi’s campaign to challenge the decision to designate certain offices to
- [The authorities continue to refuse to issue endorsements for Ahmed El-Tantawy, the candidate announced to halt the campaign’s work for 48 hours](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/09/27/27-09-23-dd/): Berlin, September 27, 2023 LDSF observed the refusal to issue endorsements in 4 Notary offices
- [On the first day of the endorsement collection phase for the presidential elections, the authorities refused to issue endorsements to support the candidate Ahmed El-Tantawy in 11 Notary offices and two embassies.](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/09/26/26-09-23-asfd/): Berlin, September 26, 2023 Law and Democracy Support Foundation monitored a wave of violations and
- [Tunisia: Law and Democracy Support Foundation Calls for Dropping Charges Against Cartoonist Taoufik Amran](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/09/24/24-09-23tu/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation said today that Tunisian cartoonist Taoufik Amran is expected to
- [Bahrain | LDSF Condemns Blocking of Activist Maryam Al-Khawaja and Prominent Human Rights Delegation from Traveling](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/09/20/20-09-23-ba/): Berlin, September 20, 2023. The Law and Democracy Support Foundation today condemned the blocking of
- [Egypt: Authorities Violate the Law by Denying a Political Prisoner Access to a Prosthetic Limb](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/09/20/20-09-23kdk/): Call for Immediate Release After Years of Detention Without Trial. Berlin, September 20, 2023 The
- [A French journalist has been arrested over revelations on France’s military cooperation with Egypt](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/09/20/20-09-23-s/): Ariane Lavrilleux, a journalist for Disclose who helped uncover suspected civilian deaths in a French-Egyptian
- [Egypt | Politician and Publisher Hisham Qassem Sentenced to 6 Months in Prison and Fined 20,000 Pounds](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/09/16/16-09-23he/): An Egyptian court has sentenced the politician Hisham Qassem, who is the Chairman of the
- [Egypt: The Elections are a season of escalating repression.](https://ldsf.info/blog/2023/09/15/15-09-23-ta/): LDSF condemns the oppression of the potential presidential candidate Ahmed El-Tantawi Campaign Berlin on September
- [Joint Statement :Security Escalation Against Detainees at Tenth of Ramadan Prison following Postponement of the law of Criminal Procedures ](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/10/01/joint-statement-security-escalation-against-detainees-at-tenth-of-ramadan-prison-following-postponement-of-the-law-of-criminal-procedures/): The undersigned organizations are following with grave concern the developments taking place inside Tenth of Ramadan Prison. Yesterday, the House of Representatives approved a one-year postponement of the implementation of the new Criminal Procedure Law. The decision came just hours before the law was scheduled to take effect. According to information received by the undersigned organizations, detainees began protesting immediately after learning of the decision. They refused to receive their assigned food, refused to go out for exercise, and began chanting and banging on the doors. The same information indicates that security forces intervened and used tear gas against the detainees. […]
- [Global Call for the Release of Entire Newsroom at Egyptian Investigative Journalism Platform Matsadaash](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/09/30/global-call-for-the-release-of-entire-newsroom-at-egyptian-investigative-journalism-platform-matsadaash/): We, the undersigned civil society organizations and independent media outlets, join together to condemn the escalating crackdown on independent Egyptian investigative journalism platform Matsadaash, which now includes the arrest of six journalists, constituting the entirety of the newsroom. Late into the evening of Monday, September 28 and early Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Egyptian security forces conducted raids on the homes of journalists Mohamed Ashraf Abu Emeira and Abdallah Qadry and took them into custody. Raids on the homes of other journalists working for the platform continued across several governorates over the hours to come. By the end of the day on […]
- [LDSF Condemns the Arrest of Matsada2sh Journalists and Calls for the Immediate Disclosure of Their Fate and Whereabouts](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/09/29/ldsf-condemns-the-arrest-of-matsada2sh-journalists-and-calls-for-the-immediate-disclosure-of-their-fate-and-whereabouts/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) condemns the targeting and arrest of journalists Mohamed Ashraf and Abdallah Kadry, editors at the independent fact-checking platform Matsada2sh, and expresses grave concern over the authorities’ failure to disclose their whereabouts or the reasons for their arrest. The ongoing refusal to provide information about their location or allow them access to their families and lawyers raises serious concerns that they may be subjected to enforced disappearance in connection with their journalistic work. According to a statement issued by Matsada2sh on the evening of 29 September 2026, security forces arrested Mohamed Ashraf and Abdallah Kadry after […]
- [Following Trial Postponement to 11 October: Transfer of Photojournalist Hamdi El-Zaeem to 10th of Ramadan Prison Raises Concerns of Retaliation](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/09/29/following-trial-postponement-to-11-october-transfer-of-photojournalist-hamdi-el-zaeem-to-10th-of-ramadan-prison-raises-concerns-of-retaliation/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) expresses deep concern over the transfer of photojournalist Hamdi Mokhtar Ali, known as Hamdi El-Zaeem, from Abu Zaabal 2 Prison to 10th of Ramadan Rehabilitation Center 5 Prison, just two days after the publication of a joint statement by 16 human rights organizations calling for his immediate release and an end to the decade-long cycle of detention and prosecution he has endured. According to information received by the Foundation, El-Zaeem  was transferred on the morning of 28 September 2026, following a trial hearing held on 27 September 2026 before the Criminal Court sitting at the […]
- [Joint Statement: Ahead of His Trial Hearing, Rights Groups Call for the Immediate Release of Photojournalist Hamdi El-Zaeem After Ten Years of Deprivation of Liberty](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/09/26/joint-statement-ahead-of-his-trial-hearing-rights-groups-call-for-the-immediate-release-of-photojournalist-hamdi-el-zaeem-after-ten-years-of-deprivation-of-liberty/): The undersigned organizations call on the Egyptian authorities to immediately release photojournalist Hamdi Mokhtar Ali, known as “Hamdi El-Zaeem,” and bring to an end his decade-long ordeal of detention, restrictive measures, and ongoing criminal proceedings, ahead of his trial hearing scheduled for 27 September 2026. Today, Hamdi El-Zaeem marks ten full years of deprivation of liberty in its various forms, including pretrial detention, precautionary measures, and ongoing judicial proceedings. Over the course of this decade, no final conviction has been issued against him, while his professional and personal life have been deeply affected, and his family has carried the heavy burden […]
- [Law and Democracy Support Foundation Welcomes Landmark Joint UN Statement on Transnational Repression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/09/23/law-and-democracy-support-foundation-welcomes-landmark-joint-un-statement-on-transnational-repression/): The joint statement emerged from a strategic retreat and consultations that brought together UN experts and civil society actors, and affirms the responsibility of host States to provide protection and prevent abuses. Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) welcomes the joint statement issued by more than 130 United Nations experts from the UN Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies on transnational repression, which represents one of the most comprehensive and coordinated UN positions to date in addressing this growing phenomenon targeting human rights defenders, journalists, political dissidents, and ordinary citizens beyond the borders of their countries of origin. The joint statement marks […]
- [Egypt: Detention of Novelist Peter Tawfik Kamel Over His Views and Literary Work Violates Freedom of Thought and Artistic Expression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/09/18/egypt-detention-of-novelist-peter-tawfik-kamel-over-his-views-and-literary-work-violates-freedom-of-thought-and-artistic-expression/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) and Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF) condemn the continued detention of Egyptian writer and novelist Peter Tawfik Kamel in connection with Case No. 1184 of 2026 (Mallawi Administrative Case), as well as the criminal prosecution he faces on the basis of his intellectual views, personal beliefs, and literary work. The two organizations consider this case a troubling example of the use of criminal proceedings against individuals for the peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of thought, conscience, belief, opinion, expression, and literary creativity, rights guaranteed under both the Egyptian Constitution and international […]
- [LDSF Participates in Regional Brussels Meeting on Strengthening Civil Society Oversight of Counter-Terrorism Policies](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/09/17/ldsf-participates-in-regional-brussels-meeting-on-strengthening-civil-society-oversight-of-counter-terrorism-policies/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) participated in a regional activity organized by the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ) from 2 to 4 September in Brussels, Belgium, aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to engage safely and effectively in counter-terrorism oversight and accountability mechanisms. The Foundation was represented by Karim Abdelrady, Chief Executive Officer of LDSF, alongside representatives of civil society organizations from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia.  The activity also brought together representatives from the European Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the […]
- [UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Warns of Transnational Repression: Misuse of INTERPOL and Targeting of Dissidents’ Families May Amount to Arbitrary Detention](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/09/16/un-working-group-on-arbitrary-detention-warns-of-transnational-repression-misuse-of-interpol-and-targeting-of-dissidents-families-may-amount-to-arbitrary-detention/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) welcomes the latest report of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD), which, for the first time, dedicates a thematic chapter to transnational repression and its connection to arbitrary detention. The report warns against the misuse of international security cooperation, including INTERPOL mechanisms, politically motivated prosecutions, trials in absentia, and the targeting of family members of dissidents and activists living abroad. The report emphasizes that transnational repression takes multiple forms, including forcible transfer or deportation, politically motivated prosecutions, the abuse of extradition procedures and INTERPOL mechanisms, digital surveillance, and the targeting of relatives […]
- [Egypt: Rights Groups Welcome UN Special Rapporteur’s Report on Water and Sanitation and Call for Implementation of Recommendations](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/09/14/egypt-rights-groups-welcome-un-special-rapporteurs-report-on-water-and-sanitation-and-call-for-implementation-of-recommendations/): The undersigned organizations welcome the report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation following his official visit to Egypt from 7 to 18 February 2026. The organizations consider the report an important assessment of the challenges affecting the realization of the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation in Egypt. While acknowledging progress made in expanding access to water and sanitation services, including through the Hayah Kareema Presidential Initiative, the report identifies serious and persistent concerns relating to inequality, water quality, transparency, public participation, accountability, and access to services for populations […]
- [Egyptian Activist Mariam Abdelbasette and Her Children Safely Leave the Sultanate of Oman Following Months of Persecution and Fears of Deportation](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/09/14/egyptian-activist-mariam-abdelbasette-and-her-children-safely-leave-the-sultanate-of-oman-following-months-of-persecution-and-fears-of-deportation/): 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 […]
- [Human rights organisations set benchmark for Egypt’s human rights strategy](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/09/12/human-rights-organisations-set-benchmark-for-egypts-human-rights-strategy/): Egyptian and international human rights organisations have launched a Shadow Human Rights Strategy setting out key reforms for Egypt’s criminal justice system. The undersigned organizations today release Reform or Rhetoric? A Civil Society Benchmark for Criminal Justice Reform in Egypt’s 2027–2032 National Human Rights Strategy (the “Shadow Strategy”). This is an independent, civil society-led benchmark against which Egypt’s renewed National Human Rights Strategy can be measured. Egypt’s previous National Human Rights Strategy 2021-2026 was, in the assessment of the undersigned organizations, more style than substance. Its commitments were broad and indeterminate, without measurable indicators to track progress or evaluate outcomes, and follow-up and […]
- [Call for Applications: Vacancies at Law and Democracy Support Foundation](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/09/10/call-for-applications-vacancies-at-law-and-democracy-support-foundation/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation announces its need to fill three (3) positions based in Egypt within its executive team, working remotely, according to the terms, requirements, and codes outlined below: 1. Researcher Job Code: RES-2026 Job Duties: Required Qualifications and Experience: 2. Lawyer Job Code: LAW-2026 Job Duties: Required Qualifications and Experience: 3. Multimedia Designer Job Code: MMD-2026 Job Duties: Required Qualifications and Experience: Application: Applicants are kindly requested to send their Curriculum Vitae (CV), accompanied by a Cover Letter detailing the applicant’s professional background and suitability for the role, alongside samples of relevant work or experience, to the following […]
- [Six UN Experts Address Egypt and Oman Over the Case of Egyptian Activist Mariam Abdelbasette, Warn of Transnational Repression and the Risk of Refoulement](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/08/28/six-un-experts-address-egypt-and-oman-over-the-case-of-egyptian-activist-mariam-abdelbasette-warn-of-transnational-repression-and-the-risk-of-refoulement/): Six United Nations human rights mandate holders have issued formal communications to the governments of Egypt and Oman regarding the case of Egyptian activist Mariam Abdelbasette and her husband, Ahmed Mousa. The experts expressed concerns relating to enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, freedom of expression, and the use of counter-terrorism measures and cross-border security cooperation against political dissidents. The communications, dated 18 June 2026, were issued on the basis of information, documentation, and a submission provided by Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) to the UN Special Procedures, documenting the targeting of Mariam Abdelbasette  and Ahmed Mousa in connection with their peaceful […]
- [Joint Statement | Egypt: After 100 Days, Omar Salah Marei's Arbitrary Detention Must End](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/08/25/joint-statement-egypt-after-100-days-omar-salah-mareis-arbitrary-detention-must-end/): We, the undersigned organizations, renew our call for the immediate and unconditional release of Egyptian filmmaker and screenwriter Omar Salah Marei and for an end to his pretrial detention in Case No. 3383 of 2026 (Supreme State Security Prosecution). Our appeal comes as Omar marks 100 days in detention and has now had his pretrial detention renewed for the eighth time. We also express our grave concern over the continued denial of the specialized medical care his health condition requires, despite repeated requests from his family and legal defense team. Security forces raided Omar Salah Marei’s home on the evening of […]
- [Joint Statement: Rights Organizations Call for an End to Requiring Telecom Users in Egypt to Provide Biometric Data](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/08/24/joint-statement-rights-organizationscall-for-an-end-to-requiring-telecomusers-in-egypt-to-provide-biometric-data/): The undersigned organizations reject any policy that makes providing a facial image, fingerprint, or other biometric identifier data a condition for registering, managing, or recovering a mobile phone line; using the “My Numbers” service; or challenging the registration of mobile lines in an individual’s name without their knowledge. They call on the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to withdraw any directives that would impose this form of verification on telecommunications service users. NTRA announced this measure after receiving complaints from individuals who had discovered mobile phone lines, and, in some cases, associated mobile wallets, registered in their names without their knowledge. […]
- [Egypt: Targeting UK-based opposition figure Mona El-Shazly and five members of her family over her peaceful expression is a stark example of collective punishment](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/08/23/egypt-authorities-escalate-transnational-repressiontargeting-uk-based-opposition-figure-mona-el-shazly-and-five-members-of-her-family-over-her-peaceful-expression-is-a-stark-example-of-collective-pu/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) condemns the Egyptian authorities’ ongoing targeting of family members of Egyptian-British opposition activist Mona El-Shazly, who has lived in the United Kingdom for more than two decades. The measures appear to be in retaliation for views she has expressed on social media platforms, constituting a serious example of Proxy Punishment and transnational repression employed by the Egyptian authorities to silence critical and dissenting voices abroad. Within a period of just three months, between May and August 2026, five of Mona El-Shazly’s relatives became victims of arrest or enforced disappearance. Egyptian authorities are currently holding her […]
- [Egypt : "Not Hostages".. LDSF Condemns the Detention of Politician Amr Abdel Hady's Brother and Calls for an End to Targeting Exiled Dissidents' Families](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/08/19/egypt-not-hostages-ldsf-condemns-the-detention-of-politician-amr-abdel-hadys-brother-and-calls-for-an-end-to-targeting-exiled-dissidents-families/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) condemns the arrest of Egyptian citizen Ahmed Samir Mohamed El-Amin, half-brother of UK-based Egyptian politician Amr Abdel Hady. The Foundation considers his detention—given the circumstances surrounding his arrest and the interrogation of his family members—to fall within a recurring pattern of targeting the relatives of Egyptian dissidents living abroad, using them as leverage for political pressure and retaliation. At approximately 2:00 AM on August 16, 2026, a force from the National Security Agency raided the home of Ahmed and Amr’s mother in search of her son Ahmed, who was not with her at the time. […]
- [Egypt: LDSF Demands the Release of Writer and Novelist Peter Tawfik Kamal, Detained on Charges of Blasphemy](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/08/14/egypt-ldsf-demands-the-release-of-writer-and-novelist-peter-tawfik-kamal-detained-on-charges-of-blasphemy/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) condemns the continued detention of writer and novelist Peter Tawfik Kamal, who remains under investigation in Case No. 1184 of 2026 (Mallawi Administrative Misdemeanor Case), on charges of blasphemy and advocating atheism in connection with his literary works and opinions published online. Peter was detained at the National Security headquarters in Mallawi on 14 April 2026, after voluntarily responding to a security summons issued to him. He was subsequently subjected to enforced disappearance for eight full days before reappearing in an arrest report dated 22 April 2026, which falsely claimed that he had been apprehended […]
- [LDSF Welcomes CCP Fellow Laura Marcela Martínez Mejía](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/08/13/ldsf-welcomes-ccp-fellow-laura-marcela-martinez-mejia/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation is delighted to welcome Laura Marcela Martínez Mejía to its team for a 3-month fellowship as part of the CrossCulture Programme (CCP). Laura is a Colombian lawyer and political studies researcher with extensive experience in access to information, transparency, data protection, strategic litigation, and investigative journalism. Through her work, she has contributed to strengthening accountability, defending freedom of information, and promoting civic participation. The fellowship is part of the CrossCulture Programme (CCP), implemented by ifa and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, which supports international exchange and collaboration among civil society actors worldwide. We look […]
- [Rights Groups Call for Release of Detained Shi’a Muslims in Egypt, including Journalist Haidar Qandil](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/08/10/rights-groups-call-for-release-of-detained-shia-muslims-in-egypt-including-journalist-haidar-qandil/): The undersigned organizations strongly condemn the arrest, and enforced disappearance, of at least 36 Shi’a Muslim in Egypt, including journalist Mohammed Haidar Qandil. On 22 June 2026, Egyptian security forces arrested at least six Shi’a Muslims from their homes. Later that day, Qandil — who as a journalist had spent the day documenting the arrests of Egyptian Shi’a Muslims ahead of Ashura — was himself arrested outside the offices of Al-Dostor newspaper in Dokki, Giza, and taken to an undisclosed location. Security forces had also raided a place of worship in Cairo’s Sayyida Zeinab district earlier that same day, but no arrests were made […]
- [Aid to Egypt will serve authoritarianism unless EU ensures compliance with agreed precondition](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/07/30/aid-to-egypt-will-serve-authoritarianism-unless-eu-ensures-compliance-with-agreed-precondition/): The European Union should urgently explain why it has decided to release a second €1.5 billion payment to Egypt under its macro-financial assistance (MFA) programme, said the undersigned organizations. Under the rules governing this financial support, Egypt must take “concrete and credible steps” towards democracy, the rule of law and human rights before funds can be disbursed. Yet, despite Egypt’s worsening human rights record and the absence of meaningful democratic reforms, the EU is once again bypassing its own rules and providing a financial lifeline to an authoritarian government responsible for systematic repression. The European Commission assessment for the disbursement reportedly concluded that “Egypt met […]
- [Tunisia | Conviction of Sihem Bensedrine Threatens Transitional Justice and Deepens Restrictions on Civic Space](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/07/17/tunisia-conviction-of-sihem-bensedrine-threatens-transitional-justice-and-deepens-restrictions-on-civic-space/): While awaiting the scheduling of Sihem Bensedrine’s appeal trial before the Tunis Court of Appeal, the undersigned organizations express their deep concern over the judgment issued against the prominent human rights defender and former President of the Truth and Dignity Commission (TDC), sentencing her to twenty-five years in prison in connection with two cases directly related to her work as President of the Truth and Dignity Commission and the preparation of its final report. This judgment does not only target Sihem Bensedrine; it undermines one of Tunisia’s most important processes for uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability. It creates a dangerous […]
- [Ahead of Expected Appeal Judgment, Civil Society Organizations Globally Call for the Release of Ahmed Douma](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/07/09/ahead-of-expected-appeal-judgment-civil-society-organizations-globally-call-for-the-release-of-ahmed-douma/): The immediate and unconditional release Egyptian activist, poet, and political writer Ahmed Douma is called for by the undersigned civil society organizations from across the globe. On 16 July 2026, the Fifth Settlement Misdemeanour Court is expected to issue its judgment in the appeal challenging the one-year prison sentence handed down to Douma last month on 3 June 2026. Douma had been referred to trial over an article he had published in Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, “From a Prison Within the State to a State Within the Prison,” which used examples from around the world to evidence how political imprisonment is destabilizing for the state. Over this […]
- [Egypt: As Third Wave of Forced Eviction Impends, Rights Organizations Urge Halt to Displacement of North Sinai Residents ](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/23/egypt-as-third-wave-of-forced-eviction-impends-rights-organizations-urge-halt-to-displacement-of-north-sinai-residents/): The undersigned human rights organizations are deeply concerned by the forced eviction measures and practices being undertaken by the Egyptian military against residents of the villages of Al-Kharafin and Al-Muqata’a in North Sinai, and communities in Rafah and Sheikh Zuwayed. Residents are being forced to leave lands to which they only recently returned and rebuilt through their own efforts, after years of displacement and forced eviction resulting from military operations in North Sinai. According to eyewitnesses, residents have been subjected to intensifying pressure to leave their homes and lands since the beginning of June through repeated field campaigns conducted by military […]
- [Detention of filmmaker Omar Salah Marai renewed for the fourth time for 15 days pending investigation](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/22/detention-of-filmmaker-omar-salah-marai-renewed-for-the-fourth-time-for-15-days-pending-investigation/): Today, the Supreme State Security Prosecution ordered the renewal of the pretrial detention of filmmaker Omar Salah Marai for an additional 15 days pending investigations into charges of “spreading false news” in Case No. 3835 of 2026 (Supreme State Security), in connection with opinions he expressed on social media. This marks the fourth time the prosecution has renewed his detention pending investigation. Omar suffers from a thyroid condition, in addition to complications affecting his hand and wrist. Several months ago, he sustained a wrist fracture that required surgical intervention, during which nine screws and two metal plates were inserted. He remains […]
- [State Security Renews 15-Day Detention of Lawyer Mohamed Abu El-Diar](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/22/state-security-renews-15-day-detention-of-lawyer-mohamed-abu-el-diar-2/): On 21 June 2026, the Supreme State Security Prosecution ordered the renewal of the detention of lawyer Mohamed Abu El-Diar for 15 days pending investigations in Case No. 4502 of 2026 (Supreme State Security), on charges of spreading false news and joining a banned group. In the early hours of Monday, 25 May, security forces arrested several members of the Committee for the Defense of Prisoners of Conscience in separate incidents from their homes, including lawyer Mohamed Abu El-Diar, political activist Hanan El-Tantawy, and Court of Cassation lawyer Wafaa El-Masry. These arrests came days after the committee organized a photo exhibition […]
- [European Parliament Adopts New Resolution to Address Transnational Repression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/17/european-parliament-adopts-new-resolution-to-address-transnational-repression/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) welcomes the adoption by the European Parliament of Resolution A10-0142/2026on countering transnational repression, which represents a significant step toward establishing a clear European recognition of the risks posed by this phenomenon and its implications for human rights and democratic systems within the European Union. The Foundation, which contributed alongside civil society organizations to the consultations related to the report issued by the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), considers the adoption of the resolution on this basis an important development toward building a more coordinated and comprehensive EU approach. It marks a shift from […]
- [Human Rights Groups Fear for the Safety of Detainees at Badr 1 Prison amid Reports of Assaults and a Security Escalation](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/14/human-rights-groups-fear-for-the-safety-of-detainees-at-badr-1-prison-amid-reports-of-assaults-and-a-security-escalation/): The undersigned organizations condemn the violations reportedly inflicted on detainees held at Badr 1 Prison, including physical assaults, degrading searches, and the denial of the basic rights of detainees and their families. The organizations express grave concern over reports that force was used against detainees, leaving several injured, while others were transferred to undisclosed locations amid a lack of transparency and serious difficulties in verifying their health, safety, and whereabouts. According to information documented from several separate sources, Badr 1 Prison witnessed heightened tensions and an escalating confrontation at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, 11 June. The events followed protests by […]
- [Joint statement: call for acceptance of Mohamed El-Baqer’s appeal and removal of his name from the “terrorists list”](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/11/joint-statement-call-for-acceptance-of-mohamed-el-baqers-appeal-and-removal-of-his-name-from-the-terrorists-list/): The undersigned organizations condemn the continued inclusion of human rights lawyer Mohamed El-Baqer on the terrorists list, after the First Circuit of the Criminal Court – headed by Judge Mohamed El-Sherbiny – decided, at the request of the Public Prosecution, to extend his inclusion on the list for an additional five years. The decision was issued in Case No. 1781 of 2019 on 18 November 2025. As a result, El-Baqer continues to be deprived of his constitutional rights, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of movement, the right to property, and the right to participate in public life. Despite […]
- [Omar Salah Marei’s Detention Renewed for 15 Days Pending Investigation Amid Continued Denial of Medical Care](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/08/omar-salah-mareis-detention-renewed-for-15-days-pending-investigation-amid-continued-denial-of-medical-care/): The Supreme State Security Prosecution today decided to renew the detention of director Omar Salah Marrei for an additional 15 days pending investigations. Marei faces charges of “spreading false news” in Case No. 3835 of 2026 (State Security State Registry), in connection with opinions he posted on social media platforms. Omar suffers from a thyroid disorder, in addition to serious health complications in his hand and wrist. During today’s session, his defense renewed the request to refer him to an orthopedic surgeon and a mental health specialist. Months prior to his arrest, Omar survived a severe accident that resulted in a […]
- [Egyptians Deserve Human Rights,Not a Fragile Status Quo Supported by the EU](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/08/egyptians-deserve-human-rightsnot-a-fragile-status-quo-supported-by-the-eu/): Joint statement Two years after the launch of the EU-Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, there has been no meaningful progress on human rights, democracy, or the rule of law in Egypt, despite the fact that progress on these issues was presented as a key condition for the EU’s €5 billion macro-financial assistance (MFA) package. Repression continues to deepen, undermining the European Union’s stated pursuit of stability in Egypt, said the signatory organizations ahead of the EU-Egypt Association Council meeting expected on 15 June 2026.  The continued closure of public space, mass arbitrary arrests and detention, and exclusion of independent political and […]
- [Omani Authorities Allow Egyptian Activist Mariam Abdelbasette to Return to Her Residence with Her Newborn Baby](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/07/omani-authorities-allow-egyptian-activist-mariam-abdelbasette-to-return-to-her-residence-with-her-newborn-baby/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) announces a positive development in the case of Egyptian activist Mariam Mohamed El-Sayed Abdelbasette. Omani authorities allowed her earlier today to leave the hospital and return to her residence in the capital, Muscat, accompanied by her newborn baby. LDSF commends this positive development, which brings an end to a difficult period endured by the mother and her child following childbirth. We extend our sincere gratitude to all human rights organizations, UN mechanisms, diplomatic missions, media outlets, and activists who closely monitored her situation and contributed to supporting her over the past days. LDSF calls on […]
- [State Security Renews 15-Day Detention of Lawyer Mohamed Abu El-Diar](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/07/state-security-renews-15-day-detention-of-lawyer-mohamed-abu-el-diar/): On 7 June 2026, the Supreme State Security Prosecution ordered the renewal of the detention of lawyer Mohamed Abu El-Diar for 15 days pending investigations in Case No. 4502 of 2026 (Supreme State Security), on charges of spreading false news and joining a banned group. In the early hours of Monday, 25 May, security forces arrested several members of the Committee for the Defense of Prisoners of Conscience in separate incidents from their homes, including lawyer Mohamed Abu El-Diar, political activist Hanan El-Tantawy, and Court of Cassation lawyer Wafaa El-Masry. These arrests came days after the committee organized a photo exhibition […]
- [Rights Organizations Demand a Halt to the Removal of the Alexandria Tram and Guarantee a Development Process that Safeguards the City’s and Residents' Rights](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/06/rights-organizations-demand-a-halt-to-the-removal-of-the-alexandria-tram-and-guarantee-a-development-process-that-safeguards-the-citys-and-residents-rights/): The undersigned human rights organizations condemn the exclusion of the historic tram from the city of Alexandria. They demand an immediate halt to the removal and dismantling of the Alexandria tram, the suspension of all associated executive measures, and a guarantee of a development process that safeguards the rights of the city and its residents. This demand comes in light of the severe harm inflicted upon the 80,000 daily tram users, the destruction of heritage, and the environmental damage caused.Since the announcement of the partial suspension of the Raml Tram in Alexandria in February 2026, complaints from citizens using the tram […]
- [Court Sentences Activist Ahmed Douma to One Year in Prison with Immediate Effect Over His Public Views](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/03/court-sentences-activist-ahmed-douma-to-one-year-in-prison-with-immediate-effect-over-his-public-views/): The New Cairo Misdemeanor Court in the Fifth Settlement sentenced political activist and writer Ahmed Douma today, Wednesday, to one year in prison with hard labor and immediate effect, after convicting him of “publishing and broadcasting false news and statements” in Case No. 4894 of 2026, Fifth Settlement Misdemeanors. The Supreme State Security Prosecution had opened its investigations against Douma following his arrest on April 6. It leveled charges against him of publishing false statements and rumors at home and abroad through press articles and social media posts. The trial came against the backdrop of an opinion article published by Douma […]
- [LDSF Calls on Filmmakers to Join the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk's Appeal Demanding the Immediate Release of Director Omar Salah Marei](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/02/ldsf-calls-on-filmmakers-to-join-the-international-coalition-for-filmmakers-at-risks-appeal-demanding-the-immediate-release-of-director-omar-salah-marei/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) has joined the international appeal launched by the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR), demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Egyptian filmmaker and screenwriter Omar Salah Marei, and opposing his arbitrary pretrial detention since May 11. LDSF adds its voice to more than 100 filmmakers and film institutions around the world who signed the petition launched by the Coalition (ICFR), reaffirming that freedom of opinion, expression, and the right to creativity are inherent rights that must not be restricted. LDSF calls upon film workers, organizations, institutions, and individuals around the world to join the Coalition’s […]
- [Oman Must Prove Interpol Listing or Release Mariam Abdelbasette; Egypt Must End Persecution](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/06/01/oman-must-prove-interpol-listing-or-release-mariam-abdelbasette-egypt-must-end-persecution/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) stated today that Omani authorities continue to refuse to provide any official documentation demonstrating that Egyptian activist Mariam Abdelbaset is listed on Interpol databases, nor have they allowed her to pursue available legal remedies to challenge such a designation. If substantiated, such a listing would constitute a flagrant violation of Interpol’s Constitution, rules, and mandate. Mariam has been held since 25 May at the Medical City Hospital for Military Agencies in Muscat, where she remains following a cesarean delivery. In parallel, LDSF has received credible though unofficial information indicating that Mariam’s name does not appear […]
- [Egypt’s Misuse of INTERPOL as a Tool of Transnational Repression: Detention of Egyptian Opposition Activist in Oman Raises Fears of Forced Return](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/05/26/egypts-misuse-of-interpol-as-a-tool-of-transnational-repression-detention-of-egyptian-opposition-activist-in-oman-raises-fears-of-forced-return/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation expresses its grave concern regarding the detention of Egyptian opposition activist Mariam Mohamed El‑Sayed Abdelbasette, aged 31, who has been legally residing in the Sultanate of Oman since 2021. Her detention took place shortly after she gave birth on 25 May 2026 at the Military Medical City hospital, where she was registered as a “prisoner” and effectively deprived of her liberty within a medical facility, without any publicly disclosed legal basis for such a measure. This constitutes a serious violation of her fundamental rights, particularly in light of the documented circumstances of her case. Mariam is […]
- [15-Day Pretrial Detention for Lawyer Mohamed Abu El-Diar and Director Omar Salah; Lawyer Wafaa El-Masry and Dr. Hanan El-Tantawi Released on EGP 50,000 Bail](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/05/25/15-day-pretrial-detention-for-lawyer-mohamed-abu-el-diar-and-director-omar-salah-lawyer-wafaa-el-masry-and-dr-hanan-el-tantawi-released-on-egp-50000-bail/): The Supreme State Security Prosecution has ordered the pretrial detention of lawyer Mohamed Abu El-Diar for 15 days pending investigation, on charges of spreading false news and joining a banned group. The prosecution also ordered the release of Court of Cassation lawyer Wafaa El-Masry and Dr. Hanan El-Tantawi on bail set at EGP 50,000 each, in Case No. 4502 of 2026 (Supreme State Security), after charging them with spreading false news. In the early hours of Monday, May 25, Egyptian security forces arrested members of the Defense Committee for Prisoners of Conscience in separate incidents. Those detained included lawyer Mohamed Abu […]
- [Egypt: When Defending Prisoners of Conscience Becomes a Crime!](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/05/25/egypt-when-defending-prisoners-of-conscience-becomes-a-crime/): Joint Statement Monday, May 25, 2026 The Regional Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders in South West Asia and North Africa (WHRDMENA) and the undersigned organizations and groups condemn the arrest of the two Egyptian women human rights defenders and political activists, Dr. Hanan Tantawy, a founding member of the Committee for the Defense of Prisoners of Conscience, and Ms. Wafaa Elmasry, a cassation lawyer and founding member of the Committee, and Mr. Mohamed Abo El diyar, a lawyer and founder of the Committee for the Defense of Prisoners of Conscience. They were arrested on the morning of Monday, May 25, […]
- [Egypt: Lawyers and Activists Arrested in Sweeping Security Crackdown on freedom of expression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/05/25/egypt-lawyers-and-activists-arrested-in-sweeping-security-crackdown-on-freedom-of-expression/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation condemns the sweeping security campaign carried out in Egypt over the past few days, which has targeted a number of activists, lawyers, and defenders of freedom of expression. This escalation reflects a continuing policy of closing the public sphere and imposing a tight security grip on spaces for expression, with the aim of suppressing and silencing dissenting and independent voices that address the country’s deteriorating human rights situation. Egyptian security forces arrested, in the early hours of Monday, 25 May, and in separate incidents, members of the Committee for the Defence of Prisoners of Conscience: lawyer […]
- [Egypt: Rights Groups Call for the Release of Filmmaker Omar Salah Marei and Immediate Access to Medical Care](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/05/23/egypt-rights-groups-call-for-the-release-of-filmmaker-omar-salah-marei-and-immediate-access-to-medical-care/): We, the undersigned organisations, strongly condemn the continued detention of Egyptian filmmaker and screenwriter Omar Salah Marei. We call for his immediate and unconditional release, the dropping of all charges against him, and the closure of Case No. 3835 of 2026 (Supreme State Security). We are gravely concerned over the serious deterioration of Marei’s health as a result of his being denied necessary medical treatment since his arrest on 11 May 2026. He was subjected to enforced disappearance for several days before being brought before the Supreme State Security Prosecution on 16 May, which ordered his pretrial detention for 15 days […]
- [Following Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Egypt Expands Blocking to Personal Social Media Accounts](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/05/22/following-saudi-arabia-and-the-uae-egypt-expands-blocking-to-personal-social-media-accounts/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) expresses its strong condemnation of the decision issued by Egypt’s Economic and Money Laundering Prosecution on 19 May 2026 to block a number of opposition-linked personal accounts and channels on social media platforms and prevent access to them within Egypt, on the basis of vague allegations related to “publishing offensive content” and “disseminating hate speech.” This decision, issued in Case No. 1038 of 2026, forms part of an escalating pattern of digital restrictions imposed by the Egyptian authorities, aimed at undermining freedom of expression and access to information. Its impact extends beyond national borders, as […]
- [Egyptian Filmmaker Omar Salah Marei Appears Before Prosecutors After Six Days of Enforced Disappearance, Detained for 15 Days](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/05/17/egyptian-filmmaker-omar-salah-marei-appears-before-prosecutors-after-six-days-of-enforced-disappearance-detained-for-15-days/): Egyptian film director and screenwriter Omar Salah Marei appeared on the evening of May 16 before Egypt’s Supreme State Security Prosecution, six days after he was forcibly disappeared following his arrest in Cairo on May 11. According to his lawyer, prominent human rights attorney Khaled Ali, Marei was interrogated by prosecutors, who subsequently ordered his pretrial detention for 15 days pending investigation in Case No. 3835 of 2026 (Supreme State Security). He faces charges of deliberately spreading false news within Egypt, in connection with a number of posts on his social media accounts. Throughout the six-day period preceding his appearance, Marei […]
- [Egypt: LDSF Condemns the Arrest and Enforced Disappearance of Film Director and Screenwriter Omar Salah Marei, Holds Egyptian Authorities Fully Responsible for His Safety, and Demands His Immediate Release](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/05/12/omarsalahmarei120526/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) strongly condemns the actions of the Egyptian security forces in arresting film director and screenwriter Omar Salah Marei from his home on the evening of 11 May 2026, and forcibly taking him to an unknown location, without disclosing the reasons for his arrest or revealing his place of detention. According to his family, a security force violently raided Omar Salah Marei’s home (as shown in the attached photo of the destroyed entrance door) at approximately 7:00 p.m. on 11 May 2026 without presenting a judicial warrant. The raid involved the deliberate destruction of household contents […]
- [Joint Statement: Journalist Yasser Abu Al‑Ela and Others on Trial Expose the False Narrative of Human Rights Progress in Egypt](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/05/09/journalist-yasser-abu-alela090526/): The trial of Yasser Abu Al‑Ela, who has been held in pretrial detention for more than two years, stands in direct contradiction to the Egyptian authorities’ claims of improving human rights conditions, instead reaffirming the absence of any genuine space for freedom of expression in Egypt. According to the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, at least 19 journalists remain behind bars, many of whom have exceeded the legal maximum period of pretrial detention.  In addition to Yasser Abu Al‑Ela, those prosecuted in the same case include cartoonist Ashraf Omar. Other journalists currently detained include Safa Al‑Korbeigi, Karim Ibrahim, Mostafa Al‑Khatib, Ahmed Sabeeh, Badr […]
- [Egypt: On World Press Freedom Day, Law and Democracy Support Foundation Calls for Press Freedom, the Release of Journalists, and an End to Transnational Repression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/05/03/world-press-freedom-day2026/): On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) calls on the Egyptian authorities to put an end to the grave and systematic violations to which press freedom in Egypt has been subjected for years. These violations include the arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists, severe restrictions on media work, the imposition of a single‑narrative policy and the monopolization of public discourse, as well as the use of legal and security tools to suppress dissenting opinions and control the circulation of information. For more than a decade, Egyptian authorities have imposed an environment of extreme […]
- [Fleeing War Does Not Mean Survival : A Report Documenting Transnational Repression Against Sudanese Journalists in Egypt](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/05/01/sudantnregypt/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) today launches its new report, “Fleeing War Does Not Mean Survival: Transnational Repression Against Sudanese Journalists in Egypt,” released ahead of World Press Freedom Day, at a time when risks facing journalists in contexts of conflict and exile are steadily increasing. The report documents serious patterns of violations faced by Sudanese journalists and media workers who sought refuge in Egypt following the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan in April 2023. Based on qualitative documentation and direct, evidence‑supported testimonies, the report reveals that leaving Sudan did not end the targeting of journalists, but rather relocated […]
- [Saudi Arabia Surpasses 2,000 Executions Under King Salman](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/04/22/saudi-arabia-surpasses-2000-executions-under-king-salman/): As of early April, the number of executions carried out by Saudi Arabia since King Salman bin Abdulaziz’s accession to the throne on January 23, 2015—and the subsequent appointment of his son, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, on June 21, 2017—has surpassed 2,000, according to the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR), marking a stark escalation in the use of capital punishment under their rule.  This era has witnessed an unprecedented number of executions, including the execution of child defendants, disproportionate executions of foreign nationals, and politically motivated executions of individuals sentenced for acts related to the exercise of their […]
- [Human Rights Organizations Condemn the Forced Deportation of Sudanese Writer Idris Ali Babikir Following Grave Violations During Detention in Egypt](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/04/21/sudan220426/): The Undersigned Organizations expressed deep concern over the violations suffered by Sudanese writer and novelist Idris Ali Babikir during his detention in Egypt, which lasted nearly 50 days before he was forcibly deported to Sudan, despite holding asylum documentation issued by UNCHR, a recognized international body. Testimonies provided by the writer reveal that he was subjected to harsh and inhumane detention conditions, including deliberate starvation, financial extortion, and being forced to pay accommodation costs inside the detention facility. He further experienced severe deterioration of his health due to the spread of insects such as lice, cockroaches, and mosquitoes, in an environment […]
- [Civil Society Organizations Worldwide Call for the Immediate Release of Ahmed Douma](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/04/08/douma080426/): We, the undersigned civil society organizations from around the world, call on Egyptian authorities to immediately release prominent activist, poet and political writer Ahmed Douma from pretrial detention and to stop their systematic campaign of judicial harassment against him. On April 6, 2026, many in Egypt started the day with hopeful news following Egyptian authorities’ long over-due release of a number of detainees in political cases. Meanwhile, Ahmed Douma headed to the Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) following a summons that he had received a few days prior. As has become the norm, he was not informed of the accusations being […]
- [Seven cases in less than two years: New summons Ahmed Douma by StateSecurity Prosecution](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/04/05/50426-1/): The undersigned organizations express their full solidarity with poet and former political prisoner Ahmed Douma, who is facing a series of unjustified “legal” persecutions. Despite his release from prison in August 2023 following a presidential pardon for the remainder of his sentence, the Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) continues to summon him for interrogation in multiple cases on charges of “spreading false news,” before releasing him each time on bail. Douma is scheduled to appear today before the SSSP, after receiving a new summons to be questioned in Case No. 2449 of 2026, without any clarification of the subject of the […]
- [German Parliamentary Question on Transnational Repression Points to Violations by the Egyptian Government](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/04/02/tnr020326-2/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) welcomes the extensive Minor Interpellation submitted by several members of the Alliance 90/The Greens parliamentary group in the German Bundestag to the Federal Government, entitled: “Transnational Repression in Germany – Measures to Protect Democracy and Targeted Individuals.” This Minor Interpellation represents an important institutional development in recognizing transnational repression as a systematic threat that targets not only individuals, but also the sovereignty of democratic states. It undermines the fundamental rights of journalists, political opponents, and human rights defenders residing in Germany. The interpellation highlights the escalating practices of transnational repression carried out by authoritarian states, […]
- [Egypt: Exile Is Not a Safe Haven — Escalating Transnational Repression Targeting Human Rights Defenders](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/03/31/egypttnr310226/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation expresses its deep concern over the recent escalation targeting Egyptian human rights organizations operating abroad, accompanied by systematic pressure, threats, and reprisals against their members and families. This escalation reflects a worrying expansion of transnational repression that poses a direct threat to the safety of the relatives of human rights defenders. On 26 March 2026, the Egyptian Network for Human Rights announced the suspension of its human rights work due to “circumstances beyond its control,” after years of documenting violations and defending victims of enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention. This announcement comes amid an increasingly hostile […]
- [Egypt’s Transnational Repression Reaches HRD Nour Khalil’s Family](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/03/25/nourislam250326/): Egypt’s Transnational Repression Reaches HRD Nour Khalil’s Family — Escalating Threat to His Brother, Activist Islam Khalil Berlin, 25 March 2026 Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) expresses its urgent alarm over a dangerous escalation of transnational repression targeting the brother of Egyptian human rights defender Nour Khalil, currently residing in Italy. Earlier today, 25 March 2026, Egyptian National Security forces surrounded the family home and attempted to arrest Nour’s brother, Islam Khalil, while threatening and intimidating other family members. This incident places Islam Khalil in immediate and serious danger and represents a clear act of retaliation aimed at punishing Nour […]
- [Request to Mark Up the Transnational Repression Policy Act](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/03/17/request-to-mark-up-tnr170326/): Dear Chairman Mast, Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Meeks, and Ranking Member Shaheen: We, the 35 undersigned diaspora, human rights, faith-based, and civil society organizations are writing to request that Congress prioritize preventing and addressing the pressing threat of transnational repression, or efforts by foreign governments or their proxies to silence, harm, or intimidate dissidents, members of minority diaspora communities, and others beyond their borders. With incidents of transnational repression on the rise globally, it is imperative that Congress acts now to protect the lives and liberties of those targeted by foreign powers. Specifically, we kindly request that the House Foreign Affairs Committee […]
- [Egypt: Lift Travel Ban imposed on Hoda Abdelwahab ten years ago](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/03/12/egypt-120326/): The undersigned organisations call on the Egyptian authorities to immediately lift the travel ban imposed ten years ago on Egyptian lawyer Hoda Abdelwahab, in connection with Case 173/2011 and to ensure that all human rights defenders and civil society actors can exercise their right to freedom of movement without arbitrary restrictions or prolonged administrative uncertainty.  Hoda Abdelwahab is an Egyptian lawyer and the Executive Director of the Arab Centre for Independence of Judiciary and the Legal Profession (ACIJLP), a regional organisation established in 1997 that works to promote judicial independence, the rule of law, and respect for human rights across Egypt […]
- [The Coalition Against Transnational Repression in Germany Statement on the Case of Co-Spokesperson Basma Mostafa](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/03/02/tnr020326/):  We call for Immediate Protection, Preventive Entry Measures, and Accountability Berlin, 2nd March 2026 Zum Vorlesen der Erklärung auf Deutsch: The Coalition Against Transnational Repression in Germany is deeply concerned for the safety of our Co‑Spokesperson, Basma Mostafa, and for the effectiveness of Germany’s protection mechanisms against transnational repression (TNR). Ahmed Abdelkader, who assaulted Ms. Mostafa in 2022, was allowed to re-enter Germany without preventive restrictions. He has been publicly documented by five UN Special Procedures and was arrested in the UK in August 2025 for intimidation and assaults against other human rights activists. In light of the direct, repeated threats and actions […]
- [LDSF Condemns Transforming Cairo International Airport into a "Forced Transit Hub" for Deporting Russian Dissidents](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/02/25/usaegyptrussia250226/): Berlin, 25 February 2026 Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) condemns the escalating pattern of mass forced deportations carried out by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) against Russian asylum seekers, through special chartered routes that systematically use Cairo International Airport as a transit point to Moscow. Verified information and documentation collected by LDSF—including testimonies, and credible human rights and media reports—confirm that these operations, which have affected between 180 and 200 asylum seekers across five major group deportation flights since the summer of 2025 and until January 2026, are conducted in an environment devoid of the minimum standards of […]
- [LDSF Calls for an Immediate Halt to the Deportation of Sudanese Refugees in Egypt](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/02/24/sudanegypt240226/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) expresses its deep concern over the systematic escalation of arbitrary arrest and detention policies targeting Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt. These practices have clearly moved beyond isolated incidents and now reflect a broader security-driven pattern that flagrantly disregards Egypt’s international and constitutional obligations. This escalation comes at a critical moment that prompted four senior UN mandate holders to issue a formal communication to the Egyptian government, criticizing the alarming rise in arrests—including of individuals registered with UNHCR—which signals a severe erosion of the humanitarian protection framework available to refugees. LDSF has documented, with […]
- [Human rights organizations condemn the expansion in summoning human rights and political figures for investigation before the Supreme State Security Prosecution: Security measures and vague charges aimed at silencing independent voices](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/02/14/aida140226/): Joint Statement The signatories consider the summoning of Dr. Aida Seif al-Dawla, a co-founder of the El Nadeem Center, two weeks after the arrest of Ahmed Douma and his release on bail, to be “a new practice in a systematic security policy aimed at hollowing out human rights and political work” The organizations condemn the expansion of “financial drain” measures against politicians and human rights defenders through releasing them on high financial bail instead of personal guarantees. The pattern of investigation followed by release on bail has been repeated with Ammar Ali Hassan, Hossam Bahgat, Ahmed Douma, Mahienour El-Massry, and Lina […]
- [Morocco: LDSF Denounces Zineb El Kharroubi’s Arrest, Warning of Transnational Repression Targeting Diaspora Activists](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/02/13/morocco-tnr130126/): LDSF expresses its strongest condemnation of the arrest of Moroccan activist Zineb El Kharroubi, a resident of France, by security authorities at Marrakesh Menara International Airport on Thursday evening, February 12, immediately upon her arrival. The Foundation considers this measure, which targeted the activist for digital posts published while residing in Paris, a blatant example of “Transnational Repression.” Targeting El Kharroubi in this manner sends a clear message of intimidation aimed at imposing “transnational self-censorship” and transforming national airports from transit gateways into “security traps” embodying the internationally recognized phenomenon of “Detention upon Entry.” This approach relies on tracking and arresting […]
- [From Algeria to Tunisia: The Forced Return of Tunisian Opposition Figure Seifeddine Makhlouf Highlights the Expansion of Transnational Repression in North Africa](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/02/11/algeria-to-tunisia110226/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) strongly condemns the Algerian authorities’ forced return of former Tunisian MP and lawyer Seifeddine Makhlouf to Tunisia on 18 January 2026, in a grave violation of the principle of non-refoulement enshrined in the 1951 Geneva Convention and firmly established in international law and custom. Mr. Makhlouf had sought protection in Algeria in July 2024, fleeing political persecution and judicial harassment in Tunisia. He had officially registered his asylum claim with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). However, the Algerian authorities kept him in arbitrary administrative detention even after he completed a sentence related to […]
- [Germany Must Not Be an Enabler of Transnational Repression: LDSF Calls for Comprehensive Measures to Combat it in a UN Submission](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/02/10/tnr100226/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) has submitted a detailed contribution to the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, as part of the call for input regarding the state of freedom of expression in Germany.  The submission highlights the widening gap between Germany’s robust constitutional guarantees and the lived reality of journalists, human rights defenders, and exiled communities affected by Transnational Repression (TNR).  LDSF emphasizes that the German government’s political recognition of this phenomenon in May 2025 has yet to translate into effective protection measures or clear operational mechanisms, despite […]
- [Egypt: CFJ and LDSF  Submit a Joint Report to UN Mechanisms on Enforced Disappearance in the Context of Transnational Repression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/02/09/tnrun090226/): Berlin / Geneva — 9 February 2026 The Committee for Justice (CFJ) and the Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) have submitted a joint contribution to the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances and the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, responding to the global call for inputs on enforced disappearance in the context of transnational repression. The submission draws on extensive documentation, in‑depth legal analysis, and case‑based evidence, showing how enforced disappearance is increasingly used to silence dissent beyond national borders. While situating these patterns within a broader global landscape affecting human rights defenders, journalists, activists, refugees, and their […]
- [Egypt: Authorities Continue to Siege Spaces of Expression and Creativity. Withdrawal of novels and banning independent publishing houses from participating in the Cairo International Book Fair](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/01/31/books310126/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) condemns the ongoing and severe siege imposed by Egyptian authorities on creative freedoms and freedom of expression. This crackdown has escalated significantly, placing major restrictions on literary works and independent publishing houses during the 2026 Cairo International Book Fair. Security agencies have forced several publishers to remove literary works from their booths during the 57th edition of the fair, held from January 21 to February 3, 2026. Egyptian security services issued direct orders to withdraw two prominent literary works from display: In the same context, the systematic exclusion of independent publishers continues. For the second consecutive […]
- [Civil Society Organizations Question GANHRI's Continued "A Status" Accreditation for Egypt's National Human Rights Council](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/01/29/nchr290126/): The undersigned human rights organizations express deep concern regarding the decision to maintain “A status” accreditation for Egypt’s National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) following the 2025 review conducted by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). The 2025 decision appears to rest significantly on confidential draft legislative amendments submitted by the NCHR but never disclosed to the public or subjected to consultation with independent civil society actors. Basing accreditation on unpublished and hypothetical reforms represents a fundamental departure from GANHRI’s evidence-based methodology and threatens the integrity of the entire accreditation framework. The […]
- [Over a Thousand Days of War in Sudan. State disintegrates amid failed domestic leadership and weak international response](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/01/28/1000days-of-war280126/): We, the undersigned Sudanese, African, and Arab organizations, stand united in our commitment to the people of Sudan after more than one thousand days of war. The conflict has accelerated state disintegration and systematic atrocities, while the international community remains incapable of preventing the return of genocide, widespread atrocities, and the weaponization of the justice system. We demand an immediate end to external arms flows that sustain this machinery of brutality and call for a peace process that is not a bargain between warlords, but a transition to inclusive, civilian rule. For nearly three years, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the […]
- [Forced Deportation and Escalating Discrimination Egypt Turns Forcibly Displaced Syrian Citizens from Residents and Refugees into ‘Violators’ Under Threat of Arrest and Deportation](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/01/22/syrianref220126/): Joint Statement Cairo, January 22, 2026  The undersigned organizations sound the alarm regarding what amounts to a de facto policy of disguised forced deportation that undermines Egypt’s constitutional and international obligations; call for an immediate halt to campaigns of arrest, detention, and forced deportation linked solely to residency status; and for refrain from any decisions to deport or ‘forcibly remove’ forcibly displaced Syrian citizens along with any other forcibly displaced people who were placed in unlawful conditions through informal procedures and are being subsequently penalized for said conditions. The organizations call for the establishment of fair and clear legal pathways to […]
- [Egypt: Activist Mohamed Adel assaulted in prison; rights organizationsdemand credible Public Prosecution investigation and hold Interior Ministry responsible for his safety](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/01/21/adel211226/): The undersigned human rights organizations condemn the assault and attempted strangulation of activist Mohamed Adel in his cell on Saturday, 10 January, inside the 10th of Ramadan (4) Rehabilitation Center. The organizations stand in solidarity with the legitimate demands of Adel’s family to investigate the circumstances of the assault. We call on the Public Prosecution to complete its investigations into the reports submitted by Adel’s family and respond to their demands for a prompt medical examination to document evidence of the assault in an official medical report, as a prelude to bringing perpetrators and accomplices to justice under the law. On […]
- [After serving his full sentence, Egypt must halt the cycle of abuse against blogger Mohamed Oxygen and free him now.](https://ldsf.info/blog/2026/01/19/oxygen191226/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) expresses its grave concern over the continued systematic persecution of blogger and prisoner of conscience Mohamed Oxygen. He has been imprisoned in Egypt since 2019, following his re-arrest shortly after his pretrial detention was replaced with precautionary measures. He was subsequently tried and convicted based on his media work and opinions shared on his social media accounts. On January 3, 2026, Mohamed Oxygen completed his full four-year sentence following his conviction in Case No. 1356 of 2019, on charges of “spreading false news” and “joining a terrorist group.” This is the same case for which lawyer and human rights […]
- [One year since the arrest of Abdulrahman Yusuf al-Qaradawi: a year of complicity, enforced disappearance, and diplomatic failure](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/12/28/abdulrahman281225/): Today, 28 December 2025, marks one year since the arrest of Egyptian–Turkish poet and opposition figure Abdulrahman Yusuf al-Qaradawi in Lebanon. This  incident constitutes a serious violation of Lebanese law and of Lebanon’s international obligations and reveals a dangerous pattern of transnational repression, in which political complicity enables the transfer of dissidents to states where they face serious risks to their lives and freedoms. On 28 December 2024, Lebanese authorities arrested Abdulrahman Yusuf al-Qaradawi pursuant to an extradition request issued by the Emirati authorities, solely in connection with his exercise of the right to freedom of expression. Despite the absence of […]
- [Joint Letter Calling for the Release of Yemeni Journalist Naseh Shaker](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/12/17/joint-letter-yemen171225/): December 17, 2025 Mr. Rashad al-AlimiPresident of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Mr. Aidarus al-ZoubaidiVice President of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC)President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC)Aden, Yemen Re: Continued detention of Yemeni journalist Naseh Shaker for over two years We, the undersigned organizations, write to respectfully urge the Yemeni authorities in Aden—represented by the internationally recognized government led by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and the de facto authority of the Southern Transitional Council (STC)—to immediately and unconditionally release Yemeni freelance journalist Naseh Shaker, who has now spent more than two years in detention. On November 21, 2023, Mr. Shaker was scheduled to […]
- [Law and Democracy Support Foundation Participates in EU Policy Dialogue on Transnational Repression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/12/04/4-12-25-1/): Brussels – December 4, 2025 The Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) participated in a high-level policy dialogue organized by the European Parliament in cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the European Working Group on Combating Transnational Repression, of which LDSF is a member.Representing the foundation was Basma Mostafa, Egyptian human rights defender and Programs Director, who delivered a speech stressing the urgent need to ensure accountability to protect exiled activists from transnational repression. At the end of the session, Mounir Satouri, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Subcommittee on Human […]
- [Rights Groups Urge Italy To Stop The Deportation Of Mohamed Shahin to Egypt, Ensure His Right to Seek Asylum](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/12/03/2-12-25-1/): Rome, 2nd December 2025 To read the statement in Italian : 13 civil society organizations call on the Italian government and the Ministry of the Interior to halt the deportation of Mohamed Mahmoud Ebrahim Shahin to Egypt, consistent with Italy’s obligations under international law and with full respect for the principle of non-refoulement.  Mohamed Mahmoud Ebrahim Shahin, an Egyptian citizen who has been living in Turin, Italy, for about 20 years, has been subjected to unjust legal proceedings that were influenced by evident procedural flaws since November 24, 2025. On the initiative of the Ministry of the Interior, Mr. Shahin’s long-term […]
- [Joint appeal for a Council of Europe Convention on Transnational Repression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/12/03/transnational-repression31225-1/): We, the undersigned civil society organisations, call upon the Member States of the Council of Europeto take urgent and collective action to address the growing phenomenon of transnational repression(TNR) through the adoption of a Council of Europe Convention dedicated to preventing and combating this serious and evolving threat to human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe. TNR refers to efforts by states to silence dissent beyond their borders by targeting members of theirdiaspora and exile communities. TNR activities include assassinations and violence, abductions,forced renditions, abuse of extradition, misuse of mutual legal assistance frameworks and Interpolmechanisms, digital surveillance and […]
- [Egypt Escalates Its War on Digital Freedom of Expression: Mass Sentences Against TikTok Content Creators](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/12/01/escalates-war-on-digital11225/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation condemns the severe crackdown imposed by Egyptian authorities on content creators across social media platforms, particularly TikTok, under the pretext of preserving “Egyptian family values” and combating cybercrime and harmful online content. This ongoing approach reflects the state’s insistence on playing the role of guardian over society by imposing broad moral censorship instead of respecting individuals’ right to freedom of expression and creativity. Egypt has recently witnessed a new security and judicial campaign targeting several prominent content creators, who were arrested, referred to the Public Prosecution, and then tried on vague charges such as “spreading debauchery […]
- [Transnational Repression Escalates: Sexual Violence and Threats Against Zimbabwean Journalist in Exile in Sweden](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/11/27/sexual-assault-271125/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) strongly condemns the sexual and physical assaults, threats, and surveillance targeting the exiled journalist Sophia Tekwani and her family in Sweden, as part of a dangerous pattern of transnational repression by Zimbabwean authorities. Today, 27 November 2025, the Foundation submitted a formal complaint to seven United Nations Special Rapporteurs on freedom of expression, human rights defenders, peaceful assembly, violence against women, torture, enforced disappearance and the right to privacy. Sophia Simbarashe Tekwani, a Zimbabwean national residing in Sweden under temporary protection with her children, is a radio journalist and holds an official position in the […]
- [Press Release : Gender-Based Violence as a Tool of Transnational Repression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/11/25/gender-based-tnr-251125/): Berlin, 24 November 2025 German Version : On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Basma Mostafa, co-spokesperson for the Coalition against Transnational Repression in Germany, states: “Women are particular targets of persecution and threats by authoritarian regimes, as these regimes also manifest their power through misogynist ideologies. Autocrats and their henchmen deliberately intimidate exiled human rights defenders, journalists and dissidents through gender-based violence, sexist insults and massive threats of sexualised violence. The strategies of transnational repression thus have a clear gender-based dimension. We call on the German government to protect members of diaspora organisations […]
- [Egypt: Flawed Parliamentary Electoral Process Belies Legitimacy of Elections](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/11/21/egy-elections211125/): Egypt’s 2025 House of Representatives elections were marred by chaotic procedures, opaque decision-making, and direct interference by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, underscoring the fundamentally sham nature of the process and the lack of independence of the National Elections Authority (NEA), the undersigned Egyptian human rights organizations said today.  On 17 November 2025, the NEA abruptly reversed its week-long narrative defending the integrity of the voting process—only hours after President Sisi posted a public message instructing the supposedly independent body to intensify scrutiny of vote-counting, investigate irregularities, and even cancel results where necessary. This extraordinary intervention, followed by the NEA’s immediate compliance, […]
- [G7 Must Deliver on Commitments to Combat Transnational Repression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/11/20/g7meeting-20-11-25/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation urges G7 governments to take concrete action ahead of the Interior and Security Ministers’ Conference in Ottawa. Ahead of the G7 Interior and Security Ministers’ Conference (21–23 November), the Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) calls on G7 member states and the European Union to take decisive measures against transnational repression, a growing threat to democracy and human rights worldwide. In June 2025, G7 leaders pledged to develop a coordinated framework to counter transnational repression, including sharing best practices, strengthening legal protections, and launching a digital academy under the Rapid Response Mechanism. However, authoritarian regimes continue […]
- [Egypt: African Commission Should Act to Protect Rights. Government and Commissioner’s Reports Exclude Key Violations](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/11/20/egypt-achpr-s85/): (Beirut, November 20, 2025) – The African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights should act decisively to address the dire, protracted human rights crisis in Egypt following its review of the situation in the country, 22 organizations said today. The commission has found Egypt in breach of numerous articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights but has not adopted a resolution on Egypt since 2015, despite the severe deterioration of Egypt’s human rights situation and the near-complete destruction of civic space. The African Commission reviewed Egypt’s situation during its 85th session in October, with the government presenting a reportcovering 2019 to 2024. The report included false depictions of the human […]
- [Rights groups urge release of Hoda Abdel Moneim following her referral to a third case](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/11/17/16-11-25-1/): The undersigned organizations call for the immediate release of lawyer at the Court of Cassation and former member of Egypt’s National Council for Human Rights, Hoda Abdelmonem (66 years old), who has been subjected to relentless reprisals and judicial harassment for more than seven years as a result of her work documenting and exposing human rights violations. Her third trial on terrorism-related charges in Case No. 800/2019 (Supreme State Security Prosecution) is scheduled to begin on 16 December before the Second Terrorism Circuit at the Badr Security Complex. The undersigned organizations stress that her continued detention is unjustifiable, particularly given her […]
- [European Parliament Adopts First Resolution to Address Transnational Repression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/11/13/european-parliament-tnr131125/): Following Contributions by the Law and Democracy Support Foundation to International Mechanisms The European Parliament today adopted an unprecedented resolution—the first of its kind—establishing a formal framework to define transnational repression and proposing measures to counter it, under reference P10_TA(2025)0258. The resolution is based on a comprehensive study published in June titled:“Transnational repression of human rights defenders: The impacts on civic space and the responsibility of host states,” which highlighted Egypt as one of the most prominent countries engaging in this form of repression for over a decade. The report relied primarily on the case of Egyptian journalist Basma Mostafa, Program […]
- [Punishment by Proxy in Egypt: Families of Exiled Journalists, Activists and Human Rights Defenders Held Hostage by the Authorities](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/11/10/10-11-25-1/): The undersigned organizations express their deep concern over the escalating pattern of “punishment by proxy” employed by the Egyptian authorities, which has only intensified in recent months. This years-long practice involves targeting relatives inside Egypt of activists, writers, and dissidents living abroad through raids, arrests, and enforced disappearances, in an attempt to pressure or punish them for their peaceful opinions and activities. These practices constitute a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights, notably the right to liberty and security of person, respect for private and family life, and protection from all forms of collective punishment and retaliation. On 22 October 2025, […]
- [Egypt:  2025 Parliamentary Elections a Farce to Bolster Sisi Regime](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/11/09/egypt-2025-elections9-11/): The undersigned Egyptian independent human rights organizations said that Egypt’s upcoming elections to the House of Representatives (HoR), scheduled for 10-11 November 2025,  are occurring under chronic and severe restrictions on meaningful political participation. The authorities continue to curb independent political organizing, suppress peaceful dissent, and marginalize critics from public life, effectively preempting any potential for genuinely competitive elections. The vote is widely expected to reaffirm the authoritarian status quo rather than provide a democratic avenue for Egyptian citizens to freely choose their representatives. Reopening the public sphere in Egypt urgently requires tangible measures to restore the rights to peaceful assembly, expression, and association, together […]
- [Joint appeal for international protection for Saudi human rights defender detained in Bulgaria for over four years](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/11/05/5-11-25-1/): We, the undersigned civil society organisations, are gravely concerned by the imminent threat to Saudi human rights defender Abdulrahman AlBakr al-Khalidi of deportation after over four years in detention from Bulgaria to Saudi Arabia, where he would be at real risk of serious human rights violations due to his peaceful activism. We urge the Bulgarian authorities to immediately halt al-Khalidi’s deportation in accordance with their legal obligations under international, European and domestic law, release him from detention, and grant him international protection through a fair and impartial asylum process. Al-Khalidi has been trapped in a prolonged asylum process in Bulgaria since November 2021 […]
- [Joint Statement : Release Hamdy El-Za’eem: Five Years of Unlawful Pretrial Detention
](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/10/31/31-10-25-2/): The undersigned organizations call for the immediate and unconditional release of photojournalist Hamdy Mokhtar Ali, ” Hamdy El-Za’eem”, who has been held in pretrial detention for nearly five years pending Case No. 955 of 2020 (Supreme State Security Prosecution) on charges stemming from his legitimate work as a journalist.. His detention has now exceeded double the legal maximum period allowed under Article 143 of the Egyptian Code of Criminal Procedure, in blatant violation of the law. In January 2025, El-Za’eem was referred to trial along with 167 other defendants in connection with the same case. The first hearing took place on […]
- [Arrest of Exiled Researcher Seif al-Islam Eid’s Father Marks a New Episode in the Pattern of Retaliation Against Families of Critics Abroad.](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/10/31/31-10-25-1/): Egypt Continues to Escalate Its Transnational Repression Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) strongly condemns the arrest of El Sayed Sobhi Eid (63), father of exiled Researcher and podcast host Seif al-Islam Eid, by Egyptian security forces on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, following a raid on the family’s home in Alexandria, which was subsequently followed by a raid on the home of his 82-year-old maternal grandfather. These acts constitute a serious violation of the inviolability of homes as guaranteed under Article 58 of the Egyptian Constitution, which prohibits entry or search of private residences without a judicial warrant based on reasonable […]
- [Egypt: Systematic Exclusion of Opposition Candidates from Parliamentary Elections](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/10/28/egypt-parliamentary-elections2025/): After Seizing Control of the Senate, the “State List” Runs Uncontested in the House of Representatives Elections Law and Democracy Support Foundation (LDSF) and HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement condemn the systematic political exclusion of opposition forces in Egypt, and the deliberate denial of the right of opposition and independent candidates to participate in parliamentary elections. The organizations further denounce the Egyptian authorities’ continued closure of the public sphere and restriction of the right to political participation, which effectively limits electoral competition to a narrow segment of candidates who enjoy the support or approval of state institutions. The Egyptian […]
- [Egypt: Rights Groups Condemn the Arbitrary Referral of Exiled Academic Taqadum Al-Khatib to Trial and Call for an End to Transnational Repression](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/10/27/27-10-25-1/): The undersigned organizations express their condemnation of the continued persecution and harassment of Egyptian researcher and academic Dr. Taqadum Al-Khatib, who has been living in exile in Germany, following a new arbitrary in absentia decision by the Egyptian authorities to refer him — along with 168 others — to criminal trial in Case No. 29/2025 (Tagamoa El-Khamis Felonies), registered under No. 2/2025 (New Cairo Felonies), which was heard on Sunday, 26 October 2025, before the Terrorism Circuits of Badr Court. where the court decided to adjourn the hearing to 30 December 2025 for the testimony of witnesses. The case also includes […]
- [EU/Egypt: First summit should not ignore human rights violations](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/10/21/eu-eg-1/): (Brussels, 21 Oct. 2025) – As the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa hold the “first ever” EU-Egypt summit with Egypt’s President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi on 22 October, 12 organizations urge the leaders to recognise the central role of human rights to the summit’s objectives of “shared stability and prosperity”. Since the March 2024 announcement of the new EU-Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, the Egyptian authorities’ policies of systematic repression and continued intolerance for peaceful dissent, as well as violations of Egyptians’ economic and social rights have continued without serious course correction. “EU leaders should not ignore the many human rights abuses Egyptian […]
- [The TNR Coalition in Germany meets Deputy Chair of the Bundestag Human Rights Committee](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/10/16/16-10-25-1/): As part of our ongoing advocacy efforts to combat transnational repression in Germany, the Law and Democracy Support Foundation e.V. (LDSF) yesterday took part in a delegation from the German Coalition Against Transnational Repression in a meeting with MP Norbert Altenkamp, Member of the German Bundestag for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Deputy Chair of the Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid. The delegation included: The Coalition Against Transnational Repression in Germany was established in August 2024 and brings together more than 20 German civil society organizations working jointly to monitor, respond, support, and prevent acts of transnational repression. […]
- [Human rights organizations condemn the arrest of researcher Ismail Alexandrani and his detention on charges of “spreading false news” after being confronted with Facebook posts reflecting his opinions](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/09/25/25-09-25-1/): Signatories call for an end to the use of pretrial detention as a punishment for exercising freedom of opinion and expression Concerns about Ismail Alexandrani’s health due to his reliance on a ventilator, without which he cannot sleep. We hold the Egyptian authorities accountable for his safety. The undersigned human rights organizations condemn and reject the decision by the Supreme State Security Prosecution to detain researcher Ismail Alexandrani for 15 days pending investigation. Alexandrani was stopped at a Marsa Matrouh checkpoint while returning from Siwa, during which all contact with him was cut off for more than 12 hours. He was […]
- [Urgent Appeal on Critical Health of Egyptian Lawyer and Human Rights Defender Hoda Abdel-Moneim](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/09/14/14-09-25-1/): The undersigned human rights organizations are deeply concerned over the severe deterioration in the health of lawyer and human rights defender Hoda Abdel-Moneim, 66 years old, who has been in pretrial detention since 1st of November 2018.  Abdel-Moneim‘s life is imminently at risk.  According to her lawyer, Ms. Abdelmonem had two heart attacks on 23 and 30 August 2025, yet neither he nor her family were informed of her deteriorating health at the time, only learning of her condition during a subsequent visit on 6 September 2025. In addition, Ms. Abdelmonem, who has been in detention since November 2018, suffers from […]
- [Egypt’s Diplomatic Missions Weaponized as transnational repression tool](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/09/08/08-09-25-1/): We strongly condemn the unprecedented weaponization of Egyptian diplomatic missions as tools of transnational repression against peaceful protesters abroad. A recently leaked recording of Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty shows him instructing embassy staff to “grab them [protestors], tie them up, drag them inside, and make their lives hell”—a shocking directive that fundamentally undermines the principles of international diplomatic law. This dangerous guidance has already translated into real-world violence in multiple jurisdictions, marking a serious escalation in Egypt’s campaign of transnational repression: While Egypt’s diplomatic missions were targeting Egyptians abroad, the country’s security forces were harassing and targeting the family members of […]
- [Syria: Online Defamation and Intimidation Campaign Targets Journalist Alaa Amer for Criticizing Sectarian Violence](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/09/06/06-09-25-1/): Law and Democracy Support Foundation condemns the orchestrated campaign of defamation and threats launched by groups inside Syria, including supporters of the current regime, against Syrian journalist Alaa Amer, who has lived in exile in Turkey since 2013 and also holds Turkish citizenship. This campaign was triggered by her public positions and condemnation of sectarian massacres committed in the coastal region and in Sweida, which claimed the lives of hundreds of victims from both the Alawite and Druze communities. LDSF has documented a recurring pattern of organized online attacks against journalist Alaa Amer, following a direct examination of dozens of accounts involved […]
- [Egypt: On his 25th birthday, rights organizations renew demand for disclosure of fate of Ahmed Hassan Mustafa, forcibly disappeared for over six years](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/09/01/01-09-25-1/): The undersigned human rights organizations are gravely concerned by the prolonged enforced disappearance of student Ahmed Hassan Mustafa, who turns 25 on 1 September 2025. Ahmed Hassan Mustafa has been torn away from his family and loved ones for nearly six and a half years. The organizations demand the immediate disclosure of his fate to his family and lawyer in regards to his location and the circumstances of his detention, and for an investigation be conducted into all reports and complaints filed by his family. The organizations further renew their demand that the fate of all forcibly disappeared persons in Egypt […]
- [200 Days of Abdulrahman Yusuf’s Enforced Disappearance: Reveal His Whereabouts. Ensure His Safety. Release Him Now.](https://ldsf.info/blog/2025/08/05/05-08-25-1/): The undersigned organizations are extremely concerned over the continued enforced disappearance of Turkish-Egyptian poet and political dissident Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi for more than 200 days. Abdulrahman Yusuf was arrested in Lebanon on 28 December 2024 and forcibly extradited to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 8 January 2025, in flagrant violation of due process guarantees and other international human rights obligations, notably the principle of non-refoulement. His whereabouts and fate remain unknown amid an alarming silence from Emirati authorities and their ongoing refusal to permit him any communication with the outside world.  The Lebanese authorities accepted the extradition request by the […]

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