NEWS PROVIDED BY
Coptic Solidarity
Dec. 21, 2020

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2020 /Standard Newswire/ -- After publishing a joint statement on the one-year anniversary of solitary confinement of Coptic activist, Ramy Kamel, Coptic Solidarity and 14 other NGOs have joined to collectively demand that European and North American governments take urgent action to secure his release.

The statement declares:

"We, the undersigned organizations, join our voices to urge American and European leaders to pressure the Egyptian government to immediately release Mr. Kamel, lift all charges against him in Case no. 1475 of 2019, and conduct effective investigations to ensure that those responsible for the violations, including all acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, are prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law."

Kamel was charged by the Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP), upon his arrest, with joining and financing a terrorist group, among other accusations, made without any credible evidence. Kamel, like numerous other Egyptian prisoners, is caught in a cycle of endless detention renewals while being denied the right to a free and fair trial.

The collective outpouring of support for the release of three staff members from the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights from governments, UN officials, NGOs, parliamentarians, and famous actors worldwide resulted in the release of these human rights professionals after a few weeks of detention. This broad support must again be harnessed to secure the release of Kamel from prison.

Mr. Kamel is reportedly suffering severe, repeated asthma attacks which pose an even greater risk for him due to the spread of COVID-19 in Egyptian prisons. He sister reported that he has lost about one-third of his weight and is in very poor mental health due to his prolonged time in solitary confinement. Kamel's very life is in danger due to the egregious treatment he has experienced at the hands of Egyptian State Security and refusal of the judiciary to perform their duties.

Coptic Solidarity is an organization seeking to help minorities, particularly the Copts, of Egypt. We support those in Egypt working for democracy, freedom, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Egyptian citizens, and advocate in cooperation with the affiliated organizations in Canada and in Europe (Solidarité Copte). For more information, contact Lindsay Griffin at 801-512-1713 or coptadvocacy@copticsolidarity.org

SOURCE Coptic Solidarity

CONTACT: Lindsay Griffin, 801-512-1713, coptadvocacy@copticsolidarity.org