Current:Home > reviewsEgyptian court gives a government critic a 6-month sentence in a case condemned by rights groups -AssetScope
Egyptian court gives a government critic a 6-month sentence in a case condemned by rights groups
View
Date:2025-04-14 04:42:26
CAIRO (AP) — An Egyptian court sentenced a fierce government critic Saturday to six months in prison over charges that stemmed from an online spat with a former minister and opposition figure. The case drew condemnation from rights groups and renewed global attention to Egypt’s poor human rights record.
Hisham Kassem, who is a leading official with the Free Current, a coalition of mostly liberal parties, was convicted of slander, defamation and verbally assaulting a police officer, according to Hossam Bahgat, head of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, which represents Kassem before the court.
Bahgat said the court in Cairo also fined Kassem 20,000 Egyptian pounds (around $647). Saturday’s verdict is subject to an appeal before a higher court.
Kassem, who for decades ran a series of news outlets that helped keep alive pockets of independent, free press in the country, was arrested in August after persecutors questioned him on accusations leveled against him by Kamal Abu Eita, a former labor minister.
Initially, persecutors ordered Kassem’s release on the condition that he pay a bail of 5,000 Egyptian pounds ($161). But Kassem refused to pay and was taken to a police station in Cairo, where he allegedly verbally assaulted police officers.
Kassem and his lawyers rejected the accusations.
Many rights groups criticized the arrest and trial of Kassem, including Amnesty International, which said the charges were politically motivated.
Egypt, a close U.S. ally, has waged a widescale crackdown on dissent over the past decade, jailing thousands of people. Most of those imprisoned are supporters of Islamist former President Mohammed Morsi, but the crackdown has also swept up prominent secular activists.
Egypt’s human rights record came under increasing international scrutiny ahead of the presidential election set for February. The government has been trying to whitewash its image, but Kassem’s and other activists’ arrests proved to be a blow to the 18-month effort.
In recent months, Egypt has allowed some criticism of its policies amid a daunting economic crisis and growing calls for political reform ahead of the 2024 presidential elections. The government launched a forum for dialogue with opposition parties and rights activists to enhance its human rights record and provide recommendations to the government on how to address its multiple crises.
The government also pardoned many high-profile detainees over the past months. Chief among them is Patrick Zaki, a leading human rights defender, and Ahmed Douma, one of the Egyptian activists behind the 2011 anti-government uprising that was part of the Arab Spring.
Still, the Biden administration said Thursday that Egypt’s poor human rights record hasn’t improved, but Washington won’t withhold as much military aid as it did in 2022.
veryGood! (91)
Related
- New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony live this year, with Elton John and Chris Stapleton performing
- Disney World government will give employees stipend after backlash for taking away park passes
- Las Vegas Culinary Union strike vote: Hospitality workers gear up to walk out
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- A woman is suing McDonald's after being burned by hot coffee. It's not the first time
- Mel Tucker crossed an obvious line. How did he think this would end?
- Kylie Jenner Turns Heads With Bangin' Look During Red Hot Paris Fashion Week Appearance
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- Man convicted of attempted murder escapes custody
Ranking
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- First congressional hearing on Maui wildfire to focus on island’s sole electric provider and grid
- South Carolina mechanics discover giant boa constrictor in car engine and are working to find it a home
- Food prices are rising as countries limit exports. Blame climate change, El Nino and Russia’s war
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Costco membership price increase 'a question of when, not if,' CFO says
- New Thai prime minister pays friendly visit to neighboring Cambodia’s own new leader
- Nearly a third of the US homeless population live in California. Here's why.
Recommendation
'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
Heinz announces new product after Taylor Swift condiment choice goes viral at Chiefs game
Storm Elias crashes into a Greek city, filling homes with mud and knocking out power
Why New York City is sinking
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
Boyfriend of missing mother arrested in connection with her 2015 disappearance
Last samba in Paris: Gabriela Hearst exits Chloé dancing, not crying, with runway swan song
Israel reopens the main Gaza crossing for Palestinian laborers and tensions ease