Programs: Science and Policy
http://shr.aaas.org//aaashran/header.shtml
AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program
View Alerts By > Case | Date | Country | Victim
AAAS Human Rights Action Network
| Date: | 24 June 1999 |
| Case Number: | eg9536 |
| Victim: | Ibrahim Khalil al-Za'farani |
| Country: | Egypt |
| Subject: | Doctor released |
| Issues: | Freedom of association and assembly; Freedom of opinion and expression; Right to liberty and security of the person |
| Type of alert: | Update |
| Related alerts: | 17 March 1998; 22 April 1998; 3 March 1999 |
FACTS OF THE CASE:
Dr. Ibrahim Khalil al-Za'farani, a medical doctor and former prisoner of conscience, was released from detention on 28 April 1999 by order of the Higher State Security Prosecution. Dr. al-Za'farani, Secretary General of the Alexandria branch of the Medical Syndicate in Cairo and head of its human rights committee, was arrested on 14 February 1999 on charges of belonging to a secret organization (the Muslim Brotherhood) and possession of leaflets promoting the group's ideas. However, the real reason for his arrest is believed to be his activities to participate in the November 1995 legislative elections.
Dr. al-Za'farani was initially arrested on 22 January 1995 and charged with membership in a secret organization which aims to overthrow the regime. He was sentenced to three years in prison with hard labor. This arrest was based on his association with the Muslim Brotherhood organization, although the Muslim Brotherhood does not advocate or condone violence. He was re-arrested on 22 January 1998, hours after his release from prison upon completion of his sentence and was subsequently released on 18 March 1998.
No further action is requested.
(Source of information on this case is Amnesty International.)
Main | CSFR Letters | Science and Human Rights Program
