Cairo: Egyptian security forces have rounded up dozens of activists, journalists, and lawyers ahead of demonstrations called for April 25 against the government’s policies, including the transfer of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, lawyers and witnesses said Friday.
Rights lawyer Ahmed Abdul Nabi said that dozens were arrested in cafes in downtown Cairo and from their homes. Ragia Omran, another rights lawyer, said in a statement that there is an “organised campaign” targeting activists in Cairo and several provinces. The lawyers said the whereabouts of those arrested remained unknown as police deny the arrests.
A youth group called Revolutionary Socialists says a top member, Haitham Muhammadeen, was arrested when security forces raided his home late Thursday.
Mahmoud Al Sakka, a young journalist, wrote on his Facebook page that special forces raided his home and told his family he is a wanted man, threatening more raids unless he turns himself in.
“We are not afraid even if they snatch our souls,” he said. “This is only because we are saying we will not put our land up for sale.”
The Interior Ministry’s spokesman did not respond to requests for comment. Rights groups took to the social media to circulate hotlines for legal assistance. Activists posted instructions on deleting social networking accounts from mobile phones to ensure online safety and privacy.
The arrests come more than a week after thousands demonstrated against Al Sissi, chanting “leave” and denouncing what they see as autocratic policies, including the transfer of the islands. The protests were among the largest since Al Sissi assumed office in 2014.
The protesters, including politicians and activists, called for more demonstrations on April 25, a national holiday that commemorates the withdrawal of the last Israeli troops from the Sinai Peninsula in 1982 under the Camp David peace agreement.
