Programs: Science and Policy
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AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program
View Alerts By > Case | Date | Country | Victim
AAAS Human Rights Action Network
| Date: | 11 August 2000 |
| Case Number: | eg0004_ibr |
| Victim: | Saad Eddin Ibrahim |
| Country: | Egypt |
| Subject: | Sociologist released on bail |
| Issues: | Academic and scientific freedom; Freedom of opinion and expression |
| Type of alert: | Update |
| Related alerts: | 10 July 2000; 21 November 2000; 26 February 2001; 22 May 2001; 8 February 2002; 20 June 2002; 2 August 2002; 3 December 2002; 18 March 2003 |
FACTS OF THE CASE:
On 10 August 2000, Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim was released on bail. However, Ibrahim may be facing more serious charges. Ibrahim, a sociology professor at the American University in Cairo and founder and director of the Ibn Khaldun Center for Developmental Studies, was arrested on 30 June 2000 and accused of improperly collecting funds from international sources to prepare provocative propaganda that could cause damage to the public interest and to Egypt's reputation abroad. The funds were designated for a pro-democracy documentary that details corruption in Egypt's elections.
On 6 August 2000, prosecutors increased the severity of the allegations when they accused Ibrahim of espionage, a crime that carries a maximum life sentence. The allegations stem from a talk Ibrahim gave in the United States in April 1994. Ibrahim spoke about his research on Islamic extremism at a conference organized by the U.S. Defense Department.
Speaking from prison, Ibrahim said, "We are advocates for human rights, civil society and democracy and freedom of religion. And if we are being interrogated and harassed and framed because of this?well, that's the price."
Currently, no formal charges have been brought against Dr. Ibrahim.
AAAS received a letter from the U.S. Embassy in Cairo on 13 July 2000. Ibrahim is a dual U.S. and Egyptian citizen. He received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin. The letter states, "Ambassador Kurtzer has conveyed to the Egyptian government our concern at its decision to arrest a prominent international human rights activist and our hope that his detention is not inspired by a desire to silence a voice advocating democracy and freedom of expression."
(Sources of information for this alert include: Amnesty International, the Washington Post and the New York Times.)
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No action is requested at this time. Many thanks to all those who sent appeals. AAASHRAN will continue to monitor the case and issue periodic updates.
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