During their detention at Al Dakhla Police Station, Mr Nimr, Mr Tony and Mr Saifuddin were subjected to abuse and ill-treatment at the hands of police officers. Then on 22 June 2011, they were referred to the Military Prosecution of Asyout where they were interrogated, despite denying the charges against them a decision was issued to refer them to the Military Court in case No. 2854 of 2011 Military Misdemeanor-Asyout regardless. They were all found guilty as charged in an expeditious trial, and sentenced by the Military Court of Asyout to two years imprisonment on 3 August 2011. Currently the three men are carrying out their sentences at the notorious New Valley Prison.

In light of the serious flaws in the trial, which included the lack of material evidences, and the refusal by the court to hear the defense witnesses, Alkarama today submitted the case of the three men to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. The fact that the three men were arrested merely for expressing their opinions only serves as an additional element to make their trial unfair.

Alkarama calls on the Egyptian authorities to immediately release the three men.

Alkarama calls on the Egyptian authorities to cease the trials of civilians before military courts, a concerning practice which is on the rise in the country.

In addition, the government should ensure that the freedom of opinion and expression is fully protected and respected throughout the country.