Amgad Gabbas, a political science researcher based in Egypt, was arrested at the Cairo Airport upon returning to the country in May 2022, after being on holiday. He is being held in prison without any charges being declared. CCS is concerned that this arrest is part of a recurring pattern of arresting people perceived to be dissidents at this airport.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-political-researcher-detained-cairo-airport
June 9, 2022
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
Office of the President
Al Ittihadia Palace
Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt
p.spokesman@op.gov.eg
Dear President el-Sisi:
The Committee of Concerned Scientists (“CCS”) is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We are writing in regard to Mr. Amgad Gabbas, a political science researcher based in Egypt, who was arrested at the Cairo Airport in May 2022 after returning from a holiday visit outside of the country. He is being held in prison without any charges being declared.
We have written to you previously about similar cases, such as those of Mr. Patrick Zaki and Mr. Ahmed Samir Santawy who were also arrested at the airport. CCS is concerned that this is part of a recurring pattern of arresting members of civil society at this airport which is an important transportation hub for Egyptian nationals who would like to travel to/from Egypt to visit family and/or to conduct academic business. It would appear that people such as Mr. Gabbas are perceived to be dissidents.
CCS is especially concerned that no charges have been made public. If charges have been issued, it is essential that these charges be revealed so that Mr. Gabbas can prepare his defense. We are also concerned about recent reports of torture in other cases in Egypt.
We write to urge your government to release Mr. Gabbas without delay, at least on bail, to ensure his well-being and proper legal defense. He should also be assured access to both his family and legal counsel.
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. We will be closely following developments in this case.
Sincerely,
Cc:
Antony J. Blinken
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520 USA
Phone: (202) 647-4000
Ambassador Jonathan R. Cohen
Ambassador of the United States to Egypt
5 Tawfik Diab Street
Garden City, Cairo, Egypt
Telephone: (20-2) 2797 3300
Fax: (20-2) 2797 3200
Ambassador Motaz Zahran
Ambassador of Egypt to the United States
Turkiye Buyuk Millet Meclisi
3521 International Court, NW
Washington, DC 20008 USA
consulate@egyptembassy.net
Phone: (202) 895-5400
Sameh Hassan Shoukry
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Egypt Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Masbero-Kornish El Nile Street
Cairo, Egypt
Contact: Us@mfa.gov.eg
Phone: 25796334/39 – 25772500