Martin Ennals Foundation calls on the Egyptian authorities to lift Mohamed Zaree’s travel ban

October 1, 2017

mohammed_zaree_700px_pngThe Martin Ennals Award Ceremony for human rights defenders will be held on 10 October 2017. Mohamed Zaree of the Cairo Institute of Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) is one of the three finalists, and is subject to a travel ban. We have written directly to President Al-Sisi, to lift the travel ban

Zaree is banned from travel due to charges in the Foreign Funding Case (no. 173/2011). This case is widely perceived to be an attempt to stifle civil society. Lifting Mr Zaree’s travel ban would be a good opportunity for Egypt to demonstrate that peaceful views may be expressed even if they run contrary to the Government’s. We also hope this could be a step toward closing the case against Zaree and his colleagues.

The Martin Ennals Award is selected annually by a Jury of ten globally mandated human rights organizations, and seeks to recognize human rights defenders working in hostile conditions. The ceremony is hosted by the City of Geneva and the award will be given out by the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights.