Investigative journalist, researcher, and digital activist Ismail Alexandrani remains in arbitrary detention since November 29, after being accused of propagating false information and belonging to the banned Muslim Brotherhood group. Alexandrani’s pretrial detention is expected to continue indefinitely pending investigations. His interrogation by Egyptian security agencies is set to resume on Monday, December 7.
The arbitrary detention of Alexandrani is a violation of his freedoms of thought and expression, and contradicts Egypt’s constitution and human rights obligations according to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Several international human rights groups have already issued statements calling for his release and expressing concern for the deteriorating climate for press freedom in Egypt.
Alexandrani is a distinguished journalist and researcher who has spoken frequently about Sinai affairs in seminars and conferences around the world. Through his writings and social media activity, he has been a vocal critic of the Egyptian government, as well as strong advocate for the political and social integration of marginalized communities across Egypt. In 2009, he was a global winner of the World Youth Movement for Democracy’s International Essay Contest on Youth and Democracy.
The World Movement for Democracy is deeply disturbed by the arrest of Alexandrani and those imprisoned for peacefully exercising their civic and political rights. We call for the immediate release of Ismail Alexandrani and an end to the government’s persecution of independent media and civil society.
