Rosalind Evans
In a move that has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights organizations, the Egyptian government has been slammed for its recent conviction of Ahmed Altantawy, a prominent political activist and former presidential candidate. Altantawy, known for his prolific activism and daring challenge to President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi in the previous year’s election, was handed a one-year prison sentence by a Cairo misdemeanour court. The charges against him and 22 of his aides, including the campaign manager, were centred on disseminating unauthorized endorsement forms for his candidacy. This conviction also came with a five-year ban from participating in national elections, a decision that Human Rights Watch has decried as a punitive measure against peaceful dissent.
The case against Altantawy is seen by many as a clear indication of the Egyptian authorities’ intolerance toward any significant opposition to President el-Sissi’s rule. “It isn’t just that the authorities are punishing peaceful dissent. By barring Tantawy from running in future elections, the authorities are sending a clear message that no serious challenge to Sisi will be tolerated,” Human Rights Watch stated, highlighting the broader implications of this conviction for political freedom in Egypt.
Despite being sentenced, Altantawy remains at liberty, pending an appeal, provided he meets the bail set at 20,000 Egyptian pounds ($647). As reported by local advocacy groups, the crackdown on Altantawy’s campaign has been extensive, with over 120 team members arrested since the previous year. His lawyer, Nabeh Elganadi, has vehemently criticized the trial’s integrity, suggesting that significant flaws marred the judicial process.
Altantawy’s ordeal underscores the challenging landscape for political opposition in Egypt. His withdrawal from the presidential race last year, citing harassment of his staff and supporters by state security agencies, and the overwhelming reelection of el-Sissi reflect a political environment where genuine competition is stifled. “By continuing the persecution of Tantawy for challenging Sisi, Egyptian authorities have further pulled the mask off a farcical electoral process that ensures one-man rule and annihilates Egyptians’ right to genuine political participation,” remarked Amr Magdy, a spokesman for Human Rights Watch.
This case highlights the struggles political activists face in Egypt and calls into question the legitimacy of the electoral process in a country where dissent is met with severe repercussions. The international community, particularly human rights organizations, continues to advocate for immediately dropping all charges against Altantawy and his aides, urging Egypt to uphold the principles of freedom and democracy.
