Detention of journalist & researcher Shimaa Samy renewed
On 10 August, the Supreme State Security Prosecution renewed the pre-trial detention of journalist and researcher Shimaa Samy for 15 days in state security case 535/2020, in which she faces charges of joining a terrorist group, misusing social media, and spreading false news and statements. Her detention was renewed without her appearing before the prosecutor.
Shimaa Samy is a freelance journalist and researcher. She previously worked as a researcher for the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI).
New charges brought against woman human rights defender Sanaa Seif
On 9 August, the Supreme State Security Prosecution continued investigations with woman human rights defender Sanaa Seif in state security case 659/2020. She faces charges of inciting terrorist crimes, publishing and broadcasting false news and statements that call to disturb public security, misusing social media, and using the internet to promote calls for terrorist acts. The prosecution then added the following charges to her case: insulting Police Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Nashar while he was performing his duties and insulting him through publishing terms that harmed his honour.
On 15 August, the prosecution listened to statements given by Sanaa regarding her assault on 22 June and kidnapping in front of the public prosecutor's office the following day. They also continued investigations into the two new charges against her. It was ruled that her detention should continue pending investigation.
Sanaa Seif is a woman human rights defender and film editor. She was arrested on 23 June 2020 from outside the public prosecutor’s office, where she had been waiting to file a complaint of physical assault against her, her mother and her sister, and was bundled into an unmarked microbus by plainclothes police officers and driven away.
Human rights lawyer Gamal Eid's appeal against his travel ban adjourned
On 8 August, the Court of Administrative Justice decided to adjourn appeal 7720/72 submitted by human rights lawyer Gamal Eid against his travel ban. The next hearing will take place on 19 September.
Gamal Eid is the executive director of the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI). He has been under travel ban since being prevented from boarding a flight to Athens in February 2016.
On 8 August, the Supreme State Security Prosecution renewed the pre-trial detention of human rights lawyer Mohsen Bahnasi for 15 days in state security case 558/2020, on charges of joining a terrorist group, spreading false news and statements and misusing social media. His detention was renewed without him appearing before the prosecutor.
Mohsen Bahnasi was arrested on 27 March, reportedly in connection with a social media post in which he called for the release of detainees in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
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