Published: 25 November 2011
Region: Egypt
A report published by Amnesty International reveals that Egypt’s military rulers have completely failed to live up to their promises to improve human rights and have, instead, been cracking down on journalists, bloggers and demonstrators.
The case of prisoner of conscience Maikel Nabil Sanad, a blogger sentenced to three years in prison in April for criticizing the military and objecting to military service, has become symbolic of the country’s human rights crisis says Amnesty.
After going on hunger strike in August, prison authorities have denied him the medication he needs to treat a heart condition. He continues to be held in prison as his case is being reviewed by another court following an appeal in October.
In a clear attempt to suppress negative media reporting about the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF), scores of journalists and broadcasters have been summoned to the military prosecutor. Pressure from the military has led to the cancellation of a number of major current affairs programmes.
The SCAF promised early this year to “carry out their leading role in protecting protesters regardless of their views” but since then security forces, including the army, have violently suppressed several protests, resulting in deaths and injuries.
Click here to read in full AI report Broken Promises: Egypt’s Military Rulers Erode Human Rights
Courtesy of Amnesty International