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1/6/2002

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The situation of human rights in Egypt Annual report 2003





Part Three

EOHR fieldwork in 2003


1. EOHR fieldwork activity


The state of emergency in Egypt…an obstacle to political reform and respect for human rights

Introduction

Part one: Legislative developments and court decisions.

Part two: Human rights violations in 2003

1. The right to life.

2. The right to freedom and personal security

3. Forced disappearance

4. Treatment of prisoners and detainees

5. The right to a fair trial

6. The right to freedom of opinion and expression

7. The right to peaceful assembly

8. Economic and social rights

9. The right to political participation

10. The right to formation of political parties, associations and unions

11. The rights of Egyptians abroad

12. Discrimination against women

Part three: EOHR fieldwork in 2003

1. Lawyers' Unit fieldwork

2. The Refugee Legal Aid Project

3. Women's Legal Aid Project

Appendix




EOHR's fieldwork is the true gauge of the development and progress of its activities. Its statistics and press releases are based on its monitoring and investigation of cases of human rights violations making its findings up to date and accurate. Its fieldwork activity allows EOHR to judge whether there has been a tangible improvement in respect for human rights. Its fieldwork unit also comprises trainer lawyers who provide introductory training sessions on international human rights instruments.

EOHR statistics clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of its fieldwork unit. More lawyers have joined the unit, enabling it to deal with a greater number of complaints.
The complaints procedure

EOHR received 1,074 complaints of human rights violations in 2003 by post, telephone, fax, e-mail or in person at EOHR headquarters. Complaints are categorised according to the type of violation concerned and studied by a fieldwork unit lawyer who considers their credibility. The appropriate authorities are then informed of the complaint. The number of letters sent during 2003 requesting that the authorities take the necessary action to address the complaint exceeds 937. In a large number of these cases EOHR received a response from the authorities, which was then forwarded to the complainant. Where he is unsatisfied with this response EOHR will carry on pursuing the complaint until it is resolved.

Some complainants are notified that their complaint cannot be pursued either because it does not fall within EOHR's jurisdiction or because it is being examined in a court. 137 complaints were rejected for these reasons in 2003. 937 complaints been dealt with and EOHR received twenty-one responses from ministries and governmental associations which was contacted by EOHR concerning these complaints.

Fact finding missions

EOHR sent lawyers on eighty four missions throughout Egypt in 2003 in order to gather information and document and prepare reports on human rights violations. Lawyers also visit prisons to monitor the conditions of prisoners and detainees.

Media coverage

EOHR's media activity has dramatically increased. It issued six thematic reports and eighty six press statements and convened seven intellectual forums and a training session on "the role of the lawyers in fighting torture."

EOHR received wide press coverage in 2003, 163 articles appearing in newspapers and magazines either about EOHR's activities or in relation to human rights cases.

EOHR's website (www.eohr.org) is one of Egypt's most widely visited sites coming in at position 516,705 out of the 17 million sites on the web. In 2004 its position at 352,630 placed it among the 14 most important sites on the web.

Below we consider EOHR's activities individually

1. Fieldwork

The complaints mechanism remains one of EOHR's most important tools despite the existence of other means of monitoring human rights violations such as following news reports and receiving information from EOHR representatives in the Governorates. Complaints mechanisms are an indicator of the extent to which EOHR has become an established and important part of human rights activism in Egypt.

Year

2000

2001

2002

2003
Complaints received 689 820 650 1074
Complaints rejected 40 96 161 137
Complaints dealt with 649 724 489 937
1.1 Treatment of complaints received by EOHR

 EOHR received 1074 complaints in 2003 covering a wide range of civil, political, social and economic human rights abuses. The following table classifies complaints by the type of violation concerned.

No. Type of complaint Total number
1 Treatment of prisoners 230
2 Unlawful detention 201
3 Economic and social rights 197
4 Rejected 137
5 Nationality 50
6 Sexual discrimination 47
7 Egyptians abroad 45
8 Sent out 40
9 Freedom of opinion and expression 37
10 Torture 32
11 Pre-trial detention 25
12 Disappearance 20
13 Right to life 13
Total 1074


In determining how to deal with a complaint EOHR selects the method which will bring about the most effective and speedy response. It chooses from the following methods:

1. Dispatching fact finding missions in order to corroborate the information provided in complaints.

2. Informing the relevant officials of the complaint, in particular the Prosecutor General, the Interior Minister, the Director of the Prisons Authorities and the Security Directorate. EOHR also addresses letters to Ministries, governmental and regional organisations and embassies where necessary.

3. Attending judicial inquiries and court hearings.

4. Informing the public about human rights violations through press releases, urgent appeals and news letters.

5. Cooperation with United Nations human rights protection mechanisms. EOHR has presented reports to the Human Rights Committee and the Committee Against Torture.

The table below describes the number of letters sent to government authorities during the course of 2003:

Authority Number
Prosecutor General 194
Interior Minister 236
Chief of Security 35
Director of the Prisons Authority 159
Foreign Minister and embassies 51
Government organisations and authorities 222
Individuals 40
Total 937


With regard to written responses received by EOHR, twenty one letters were received from ministries, government authorities and organisations and embassies. As in previous years EOHR did not receive any response from the Interior Ministry, the Prosecutor General or the Director of the Prisons Authority despite the fact that EOHR addressed the majority of its correspondence to these groups and despite the seriousness of the cases involved.

Ministries, governmental and foreign authorities and embassies responded to some of EOHR's correspondence. The table below shows responses received by EOHR in 2003 and in previous years:
2000 2001 2002 2003
18 27 32 21


Below is a description of the responses received by EOHR in 2003:

Authority

Date

Subject
Qena Dept of Teaching & Education 14/1/2003 Teachers passed over for appointment. The dispute was solved and the teachers employed.
Egyptian Railway Organsation (Metro) 5/3/2003 The organisation responded that it appoints employees after placing notices in official newspapers.
Director of Social Affairs 13/3/2003 The complainant has no right to a pension as he owns real estate.
Governorate of Giza 16/3/2003 Removal of buses from Giza to Moneeb was justified as a way of eliminating unauthorised bus stops.
General Transport Co in Cairo 29/3/2003 The minimum payment for workers’ annual holiday does not exceed 4 months and the complainant has already received this.
Ministry of Health & Population 3/4/2003 The Ministry has issued an order for the administrative closure of the Hospital. The Hospital Director has been sent to the Union’s Disciplinary Committee.
Egyptian National Bank 9/4/2003 The Bank apologized to EOHR for its inability to help the complainant.
Giza Social Affairs Dept 10/4/2003 The social education budget does not permit the supply of motorcycles to citizens.
Ministry of Health & Population 24/4/2003 The respond stated that the storehouse which was complained about is just a residence for workers and not a kitchen of the nearby restaurant.
Delta International Bank 18/6/2003 The Bank agreed to bear the expenses of the complainant’s treatment.
The Egyptian General Petrol Company 23/6/2003 The Company responded that it trains young people in order to provide work opportunities in Fayyoum.
The Egyptian American Bank 19/6/2003 The Bank apologized for its inability to help the complainant because its regulations do not allow it to do so.
The Egyptian Communications Company 21/6/2003 The Company statute does not allow reinstatement of employees.
Presidency of the District of Maadi and Tora 12/7/2003 The factory about which the complainant complained has been closed because it was operating without a licence.
Japanese Embassy 9/10/2003 The Embassy has sent the complaints to the Hospital concerned in Japan in order to inquire about the matter.
Ministry of Social Affairs 14/10/2003 The Ministry is happy to help the complainant.
Foreign Ministry 29/11/2003 The Ministry requested that the complainant send the papers proving her inheritance right.
Luxor Supreme Council 6/12/2003 Itinerant sellers have had their licence revoked for aesthetic reasons.
Kafr Sheikh governorate 6/12/2003 The Unit had no removal verdicts in the name of the complainant.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates 8/12/2003 The Embassy requested papers corroborating her statements.


Fact - finding missions

EOHR lawyers dispatched eighty four fact - finding missions in 2003 to cover incidents connected with human rights abuses whether they be torture, illegal detention, mass punishment, strikes or sit - ins. These missions included:

- Cairo University: Student demonstrations against the war in Iraq.

- Cairo International Book Fair: Book seizure.

- Tahrir government offices, Cairo: Information gathering about refugees illegally arrested in Egypt.

- Abdeen police station: Illegal detention.

- Galaa government offices, Cairo: Sudanese refugees arrested for residing illegally.

- Zohour Sports Club, Nasr City: Workers' strike over withholding of money owed to them.

- Lawyers' Union: Sit - in staged in order to bring about the release of jailed protestors.

- Arab League Building: Demonstrations against the war in Iraq.

- Public Prosecutor's office: Arrest and interrogation of protestors by the Public Prosecution office.

- District of Sayeda Zeinab, Cairo: Demonstrations against the war in Iraq in Sayeda Zeinab Mosque.

- U.S Embassy: Demonstrations against the war in Iraq.

- Mousky Mosque, Cairo: Torture in a police station.

- Al-Azhar University, Tahrir Square: Demonstrations against the war in Iraq.

- Ahmed Maher, Hussein University and Qasr el-Aini Hospitals, Cairo: Protestors against the war in Iraq injured in demonstrations.

- Galaa court building, Cairo: Detention of protestors against the war in Iraq.

- Khalifa police station: Detention of anti-war demonstrators.

- Sharbayya: Anti-war demonstrations.

- Tagammua and Nasserite political Parties and the Baab el-Khalq court: Anti-war demonstrations.

- Mousky Prosecution office: Torture in the metro.

- Sayeda Zeinab police station: Re-detention of an individual after his previous release by the public prosecution a few days earlier.

- Journalists' Union: Complaint presented to the Prosecutor General about a hunger strike by journalists.

- Journalists' Union: Sit - in staged by journalists in the Public Prosecution office in protest at the war in Iraq.

- Al- Helal Hospital & the Journalists' Union: Hunger strike by People's Assembly member Mahmoud al-Shazly.

- Khalifa transfers division: Illegal detention.

- District of Helwan, Cairo: Torture in Helwan police station.

- Al-Sayeda Aisha: Documentation of a torture case.

- Tahrir government complex, Cairo: Right to protest in front of the complex.

- Qasr el-Nil Prosecution office: Investigation into the refusal of the Head of the People's Assembly Ahmed Fathy Surour to approve a procession.

- Al-Mousky police station: Illegal detention of a Saudi national.

- Sayeda Zeinab: Torture of Mahmoud Farag.

- Lawyers' Union: A lawyer staging a sit - in in the Union.

- Ain Shams, Cairo: Torture in a police station.

- Journalists' Union: Strike by journalist Mahmoud Abdel Azeem.

- District of Zowaya al-Hamra, Cairo: Torture and illegal forced entry into a residence.

- Tagamuaa political Party: Party elections.

- District of Qalyoubiya: Torture in Shubra al-Khayma police station no.2.

- Al-Sharqaya: People's Assembly by election monitoring.

- Al-Gharbiya: Torture in al-Mahala.

- Giza: Torture of a number of the residents of the village of Tirsa.

- Fayyoum: Torture in Fayyoum police station.

- Qaloubiya: Torture in Kafr Ali village.

1.3 Trial and investigations observation

EOHR observed twenty one trials and thirty four public prosecution office investigations including emergency state security cases.

" Freedom of opinion and expression cases

- Qasr el Nil Misdemeanours Court: Trial of journalists Saeed Abdel Khaleq and Mahmoud al Shenawy following their publishing of pictures of the corpse of Anwar Sadat. The plaintiff was Raqqiyya al Sadat.

- Boulaq Misdemeanours Court: Trial of journalists Ahmed Haridy and Mohamed Abdallah on libel charges against Ibrahim Nafie, Chairman of the Al Ahram Institute.

- Boulaq Appeals Court: Trial of journalists Saeed Abdel Khaleq and Walid Abdel Hameed Hassan following their publishing of pictures of the corpse of Anwar Sadat. The plaintiff was Raqqiyya al Sadat.

- Abdeen Appeals Court: Trial of journalists Moatez Salaheddin and Mohamed Abdel Aal following their publishing of scandalous photographs of the dancer Dina.

- Azbekeyya Appeals Court: Trial of journalist Mohamed Ahmed Abdallah on a libel charge against Osama as-Sayyed Soraya.

- Cairo Felony Court: Trial of the journalists Moustafa Bakry and Mohamed Bakry on a libel charge against the leader of the Social Justice Party.

- Tanta Felony Court: Trial of journalist Ahmed Atwan on a libel charge against People's Assembly member Abdel Moneim al-Alimy al-Attar.

- Cairo Appeal Prosecution Office: Trial of journalist Ahmed Ezzeddin on a libel charge against Youssef Waly, deputy prime minister and minister of agriculture.

- Al-Hadeyeq Misdemeanours Court: Trial of journalist Essam Mohamed Hady on a libel charge against Dr Adel Hosny.

" Ordinary trials

- Al-Gumruk Misdemeanours Court: Case of a man tortured to death by investigations police.

- Case 11 [26]: brought by Captain Ali Mohamed Ezzeddin Mourad against Egyptair and the Aviation Minister following his licence being removed from him.

- Ihab Maher and Ahmed Salah Darwish, head and assistant head respectively of Bab al-Shariyya Investigations Unit were tried before Cairo Criminal Court on a charge of torturing a man to death. Maher was freed and Darwish sentenced to five years imprisonment.

- Case 23480 [57]: The New Woman Institute for Studies brought a case before the Administrative Judicial Court against the Insurance Minister challenging his decision to refuse registration of the Institute. The case resulted in the Institute being registered.

- Case 850 [58]: Residents of Zilzal brought a case against the Giza governorate before the Administrative Judiciary Court.

- Case 24533 [57]: Founders of the Land Center brought a case against the Minister for Social Affairs before the Administrative Judiciary Court following his refusal of their application for registration.

- Case 1797 [58]: Founders of the Egyptian Center for Housing Rights brought a case against the Minister for Social Affairs heard in the Administrative Judiciary Court following his refusal of their application for registration.

- Cases 31265 [57] and 31724 [57]: Tareq and Aboud al-Zimr brought cases against the Interior Minister demanding that they be released following the completion of their sentences. The case was heard in the Administrative Judiciary Court.



  • Emergency state security felony trials

    - Ahmed Abdel Hafez Uthman accused of setting fire to two video clubs.

    - Hezb al Tahrir group

    - Retrial of Nabil Farag Suleiman (al Gihad al Kubra)

  • Public prosecution and emergency state security trials

    Public prosecution investigations

    - Azbekeyya, Qasr el Nil and al Khalfiyya public prosecution offices: EOHR attended investigations into the cases of protestors arrested during demonstrations against the war in Iraq.

    State security investigations

    - Case 53: Fifteen defendants were accused of belonging to the banned Muslim Brotherhood group.

    - Case 814: Eleven defendants were accused of belonging to the banned Muslim Brotherhood group.

    - Case 1011: Eleven defendants were accused of belonging to the banned Muslim Brotherhood group.

    - Case 921: Twelve defendants were accused of belonging to the banned Muslim Brotherhood group.

    - Case 803: Eleven defendants were accused of belonging to the banned Muslim Brotherhood group.

    - Case 1241: Eighteen defendants were accused of belonging to the banned Muslim Brotherhood group.

    - Case 1294: Twenty five defendants were accused of belonging to the illegal Jihad group.

    - Case 727: Fifteen defendants were accused of belonging to the illegal Tafkeer group.

    - Case 1235: Fifteen defendants were accused of belonging to the banned Tafkeer group.

    - Case 756: Fifteen defendants were accused of espousing the ideology of Muslim Brotherhood founder Sayyed Qutb.

    - Case 1227: Ten defendants were accused of belonging to the banned Tafkeer group.

    - Case 952: Eleven defendants were accused of belonging to the banned Tafkeer group and of possessing publications.

    - Case 1161: Eleven defendants were accused of belonging to the illegal Tafkeer group.

    - Case 1159: Eleven defendants were accused of belonging to the banned Tafkeer group.

    - Case 502 [94]: One defendant was accused of belonging to an Islamist group and of joining a foreign army without permission.

    - Case 367: Sixteen defendants were accused of belonging to the banned Tafkeer group.

    - Case 624: Eleven defendants were accused of belonging to the illegal Tafkeer group.

    - Case 633 [97]: Two defendants were accused of belonging to the illegal Muslim Brotherhood group.

    - Case 1180: Thirty seven defendants were accused of belonging to the Jihad group.

    - Case 709: Five defendants were accused of belonging to the Jihad organisation.

    - Case 565: Sixteen defendants were accused of belonging to the illegal Tafkeer group.

    1.4 Prison visits

    EOHR made fourteen visits to nineteen detainees and prisoners being held in Abu Za'bal high security, Tora, Wady al Natroun no. 1, al Fayyoum and Damanhour prisons.

    1.5 Media activity aimed at informing public opinion in Egypt and abroad about the human rights situation in Egypt

    EOHR issued press releases, reports and books and held seminars, conferences and workshops in 2003, monitoring the news and reacting to them and also monitoring the EOHR's website.

    a. Press releases and reports
    EOHR uses press releases and reports to publicise human rights cases and events. The following table shows the number of press releases and reports released in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

    Year No. of press statements No. of reports
    2001 31 3
    2002 92 10
    2003 76 6


    Press statements released in 2003

    Date

    Subject
    2nd January Roundtable discussion on the Emergency Law held as part of EOHR’s anti-torture campaign.
    4th January Apology of US newspapers for anti-Islam articles. Lack of transparency of September 11th investigations a source of Islamophobia.
    8th January Arrest of Muslim Brotherhood members.
    16th January Roundtable discussion on partnership in the Arab region.
    27th January EOHR calls for release of anti-war demonstrators.
    30th January EOHR demands immediate release of Sudanese detainees.
    2nd February State security misdemeanours court imprisons defendants in the “two Qurans”
    9th February Continuing arrests of anti-war protestors.
    18th February EOHR welcomes release of Ibrahim al Sahary and demands that protestors be free to express their opposition to the war in Iraq.
    18th February EOHR calls for immediate release of anti-war detainees.
    19th February Human Rights Watch report on mass arrests of street children in Egypt.
    22nd February “This is how popular anti-war protests are countered…” Arrest of anti-war leaders.
    23rd February Urgent appeal to the authorities to annul the Emergency Law.
    25th February From Guantanamo to the war in Iraq…the new world order.
    26th February The effect of the Emergency Law on human rights. Release of EOHR report on the Emergency Law 1992 – 2002.
    3rd March Intellectual meeting: “No to the war…Let’s work for democracy.”
    8th March Defending the rights of Egyptians in the Gulf. EOHR participates in ICJ meeting on racial discrimination.
    18th March Cassation court frees defendants in Ibn Khaldoun Center for Development Studies case.
    20th March Sad day.
    22nd March Serious violations committed by authorities while countering anti-war protests. EOHR demands release of those arrested.
    23rd March Whereabouts of journalist and People’s Assembly member Hamdeen Sabahy must be revealed.
    23rd March Public Prosecution orders imprisonment of anti-war protestors…EOHR calls for their immediate release and inquiry into police force used against protestors.
    24th March Flagrant violation of the Constitution: State security prosecution office orders detention of People’s Assembly members Hamdeen Sabahy and Mohamed Farid Hassanein.
    29th March Defending the right to peaceful protest. EOHR report on police excesses during anti-war protests.
    5th April Continued arrests of anti-war protestors.
    7th April Journalists training session: “Supporting journalists in freedom of opinion cases.”
    9th April EOHR demands inquiry into attacks on journalists and members of the media in Iraq.
    15th April Torture is a crime which must be stopped.
    16th April EOHR demands release of protestors against the military presence in Iraq.
    23rd April Deterioration in health of journalists. EOHR demands to know whereabouts of Ibrahim al Sahary and calls for release of detainees.
    14th May Minya Felony Court issues verdicts against policemen convicted of torturing a man to death.
    21st May New verdict against perpetrators of torture. EOHR demands effective measures to prevent torture.
    26th May Cassation Court report on establishing the basic principles of the State of Law and the independence of the judiciary. EOHR calls for the annulment of the Supreme Council of Judiciary Associations.
    27th May The forgotten after the war in Iraq…EOHR calls for release of 5 anti-war protestors
    3rd June Cassation Court confirms imprisonment verdict issued against two journalists convicted of libel.
    3rd June The National Council for Human Rights: against violations or against NGOs? EOHR’s vision of the NCHR according to UN recommendations.
    10th June What we were expecting has happened: Oppression of civil society groups by Law 84 [2004]. Two human rights groups refused registration for security reasons.
    21st June Two prison sentences and one suspended sentence issued against police officers who tortured a man to death. EOHR calls for harsher punishment of torture, a crime against humanity.
    25th June After an eighteen year legal battle EOHR finally secures legal registration under Law 84 [2002]
    30th June EOHR urges Saudi authorities to put an end to the suffering of an Egyptian woman and child with no rights.
    3rd July EOHR calls for release of two defendants accused of belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood for health reasons.
    5th July Egyptian newspaper prevented from being published without judicial verdict.
    15th July Call for political and constitutional democratic reform.
    17th July EOHR warns of the marginalisation of the law and the natural judge.
    20th July Human rights activist detained in Cairo airport. EOHR calls for an end to arbitrary measures in Cairo airport.
    20th July EOHR follows developments in the Journalists’ Union crisis and forms a committee to observe the forthcoming elections.
    22nd July EOHR expresses concerned about violations of prisoners’ rights to communicate with their relatives.
    10th August Five political opponents transferred to Supreme Emergency State Security Court under the Emergency Law. EOHR calls for release of Ashraf Ibrahim, a prisoner of conscience.
    18th August EOHR calls for review of sentence of those convicted of torturing a man to death.
    21st August The UN and the war…the UN is a victim of marginalisation and criminal acts.
    24th August EOHR workshop: “Egyptian legislation and preventing torture.”
    28th August EOHR’s anti-torture campaign. Legislative committee to fight torture.

    11th September

    		 EOHR holds seminar in Qena under the title “the Egyptian citizen and medical care: void rights.”

    11th September

    		 EOHR calls for release of Ali Abdel Fattah and his companion.
    20th September EOHR demands immediate inquiry into death caused by torture.
    29th September The NDP’s political and democratic reform proposals are not enough.
    8th October EOHR calls for immediate release of Ahmed Abdel Sattar, brother of Mohamed Abdel Sattar who was tortured to death.
    9th October EOHR releases its report “Political detention the closed door policy, and criminal detention, the revolving door policy” on arbitrary detention under the Emergency Law.
    12th October EOHR calls for immediate inquiry into the circumstances surrounding a death caused by torture and demands that the perpetrators face trial.
    15th October Tourist travel firm stage sit-in in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor.
    15th October EOHR demands that the trial of journalist Mahmoud al-Asqalany be thrown out of court and calls for the abolition of publishing crimes which restrict freedoms.
    16th October The Committee for the Defence of Democracy: Political and constitutional reform is a prerequisite for a serous dialogue.
    20th October The Committee for the Defence of Democracy convenes a press conference in EOHR headquarters.
    26th October “Two families tortured in Helwan police station.” EOHR demands that those accused of torture face trial.
    4th November Seizure of Commandments for Loving Women an attack on the freedom of opinion and expression.
    6th November EOHR calls for immediate inquiry into death of Masaad Sayyed Mohamed Qutb in state security investigations office.
    18th November EOHR demands abolition of the Committee for Party Political Affairs.
    20th November Registration of new political party denied. EOHR renews its calls for abolition of the Committee for Party Political Affairs and amendment of legislation relating to political parties.
    3rd December “Children Without Identity.” EOHR report on Egyptian nationality law.
    10th December Draft anti-torture law.
    6th December EOHR calls for immediate release of engineer Mohamed Bahaa Eddin.
    9th December Twelve members of the Muslim Brotherhood arrested.
    11th December EOHR proposes amendments to the Penal and Criminal Procedures Codes.
    22nd December Press release from 36 human rights organizations: the setback to calls for reform of the Arab Charter for Human Rights represents the imperialistic approach.. 
    23rd December EOHR expresses sympathy for Egyptian Foreign Minister attacked abroad.
    30th December Recommendations which came out of the discussion entitled “the role of lawyers in fighting and putting an end to torture.”


    Reports
    EOHR released the following six reports in 2003:

    Date

    Title
    February EOHR’s annual report
    February Effect of the Emergency Law on human rights in Egypt 1992 – 2002
    April Torture is a crime which must be stopped
    October Political detention, the closed door policy and criminal detention, the revolving door policy
    December Children without identity – joint report between EOHR and the Egyptian Center for Human Rights on the nationality rights of the children of Egyptian mothers married to foreigners.
    December Defending the right to peaceful demonstration


    b. Conferences and seminars
    EOHR convened seven intellectual meetings in 2003.
    These meetings are an important means of determining the shape of different issues and finding a solution to them. EOHR also convened the following seminars, discussions and workshops:

    Date Subject of seminar Where held
    16th January The partnership initiative in the Arab region. EOHR headquarters
    3rd March No to war…Let’s work together for democracy EOHR headquarters
    7th April Training journalists to deal with freedom of expression cases Held in cooperation with Internews Arab news agency in the Auberge Hotel, Fayyoum.
    24th August Workshop entitled Egyptian legislation and fighting torture. The Helnan Shepherd Hotel, Cairo.
    28th August Workshop on the Legislative Committee to combat torture. EOHR headquarters
    11th September The Egyptian citizen and medical care: void rights. Qena
    28th September – 2nd October The role of journalists in strengthening the right to peaceful assembly and respect for human rights. Stella del Mare, Ain Sukha.
    29th December The role of lawyers in fighting and putting an end to torture Lawyer’s Union


    c. Media coverage of EOHR activity
    As in previous years there was wide media coverage of EOHR's activity on television and in opposition and independent newspapers and magazines.
    A total of 163 articles on EOHR activity appeared in the press including Nahdat Masr, Al-Ahrar, Al-Hayat, al-Wafd, al-Arabi, al-Ahly, al-Geel, as-Sharq al-Awsat, al-Qahira, Sowt al-Umma, Cairo Times, Ahram Weekly, Afaq Arabiya, al-Maydan, Aqeedaty and al-Siyasy.
    Some state newspapers including al-Ahram and al-Akhbar also reported EOHR activity.

    Type of publication Number
    Independent newspapers and magazines 78
    Party newspapers and magazines 72
    English newspapers and magazines 9
    State newspapers and magazines 4
    Total 163


    The most important EOHR related subjects covered in the Egyptian press were its campaigns against the Emergency Law and torture; EOHR's stance on the American partnership initiative in the Arab region, EOHR's receiving official registration as an NGO and the formation of the National Council for Human Rights.

    Date

    Newspaper & edition

    Page

    Subject
    1/1 Al Sharq al Awsat 8800 5 EOHR asks the Police to release two human rights activists.
    1/1 Al Hayat 14529 6 Mass demonstrations to prevent the renewal of the state of emergency.
    5/1 Al Araby 841 7 Press statement on its campaign against the Emergency Law.
    5/1 Al Siyasy 1427 11 Roundtable discussion of the partnership initiative.
    11/1 Rose al Youssef 3892 24 – 25 Political asylum.
    13/1 Al Ahrar 4027 8 EOHR report on the Emergency Law and the Constitution.
    13/1 Al Ahrar 4027 8 Roundtable discussion of the partnership initiative.
    16/1 Al Wafd 986 1-4 The Emergency Law.
    16/1 Al Wafd 986 5 Article on Emergency Law.
    17/1 Al Sharq al Awsat 8816 6 Divisions during a seminar held by EOHR on the US democracy initiative.
    27/1 Al Hayat 14554 5 EOHR concern at its not being officially registered.
    29/1 Al Hayat 14556 8 EOHR statement on the detention of 10 protestors.
    31/1 Al Sharq al Awsat 8830 6 EOHR press release on detention of 160 Sudanese refugees by Egyptian security forces.
    2/2 Al Sharq al Awsat 8832 7 EOHR press release on detention of 160 Sudanese refugees by Egyptian security forces.
    2/2 Al Araby 845 9 EOHR demands release of protestors against the reformed Labour Law.
    2/2 Al Araby 845 3 EOHR demands release of 40 refugees.
    3/2 Al Araby 846 3 EOHR urges the President not to approve Emergency State Security Misdemeanours Court verdict.
    10/2 Al Bedaya 34 3 Roundtable discussion on the State of Emergency.
    15/2 Al Wafd 4989 5 A different vision: Margins in problems
    17/2 Sowt al Umma 116 15 Roundtable discussion on its Campaign Against the Emergency Law.
    24/2 Al Ahrar 4079 8 The war in Iraq: Mere legitimisation of force.
    3/3 Al Hayat 14588 5 EOHR demands that Sharon be prevented from coming to Egypt.
    6/3 Al Midan 493 7 Statement by Hafez Abou Seada on Sharon.
    10/3 Al Ahrar 4093 3 NDP proposals waiting for implementation.
    16/3 Al Araby 850 6 Take…give.
    17/3 Sowt al Umma 120 9 Heated roundtable discussion on “the impasse in human rights.”
    19/3 Al Ahaly 1119 9 EOHR demands arrest of Sharon.
    22/3 Al Wafd 5019 2 The war in Iraq.
    24/3 Al Ahrar 4107 2 Human rights groups demand release of protestors.
    25/3 Al Hayat 14609 10 Authorities avoided using emergency law: arresting 84 of the demonstrators
    24/3 Al Ahrar 4108 2 EOHR demands release of detained protestors.
    10/4 Al Ahram 42493 14 Press freedom. “After the violation of international legitimacy, the attack on journalists is a war crime!”
    13/4 Watany 121 9 Training session for journalists on human rights cases.
    13/4 Al Araby 854 7 EOHR outlines its position on the war in Iraq and condemns US army attacks.
    19/4 Al Wafd 5043 11 Wednesday…Seminar on the Arab picture after the war.
    21/4 Al Sharq al Awsat 8910 9 EOHR demands that the Egyptian government stop torture in police stations.
    22/4 Al Sharq al Awsat 8911 23 The Arab picture after the war. Seminar in Cairo.
    23/4 Afaq Arabiya 604 2 EOHR human rights training session for journalists.
    28/4 Al Ahrar 4142 8 The black list of the Iraqis: an American crime against international legitimacy
    28/4 Al Bedaya 44 5 EOHR: bloodshed of 29 citizen inside police stations
    May 2003 La Revue d’Egypte 34 – 37 Fight for freedom
    10/5 The Egyptian Mail 19 2 Rights group seek common agenda with government.
    11/5 Al Tagamua 100 10 FIDH condemns the sponsor system.
    19/5 Sowt al Umma 129 19 Press statement on the trial of a police officer accused of torture.
    22/5 Al Ahrar 4166 3 Government clashes with NDP: the annulment of State Security Courts is a lie
    24/5 The Egyptian Mail 21 2 Family, work, cigarettes.
    28/5 Akher Saa 3579 28 The National Council for Human Rights: How can it come out into the light?
    28/5 Akher Saa 3579 30 Minister of justice: the President decided to issue a law for the council to guarantee continuity and stability
    29/5 Afaq Arabiya 609 4 Emergency Law: 19,000 Egyptians seek refuge from exceptional court verdicts abroad.
    2/6 Al Ahrar 4177 8 Egyptian human rights groups send fact finding missions to investigate Egyptian graves in Iraq.
    4/6 Al Ahaly 1130 5 The forgotten after the war
    8/6 Egypt This Week 40 3 What price human rights?
    21/6 Al Ahram 326 36 – 39 Torture, detainees, prisons and emergency state: hot issues that face the National Council for Human Rights
    21/6 Al Haqiqa 759 5 Security groups restrict the work of human rights organisations in Egypt.
    23/6 Al Ahrar 8 Condemning the rejection of registering two human rights organizations: Committee on Defending Democracy calls for reforming the political life and the constitution
    23/6 Al Sharq al Awsat 8973 7 EOHR re-registered by a law decree
    24/6 Al Hayat 14701 8 EOHR annual report: deterioration of the human rights situation.
    24/6 Al Ahrar 4199 8 In its annual report: human rights organizations warn of transforming temporary detention into a kind of punishment
    24/6 Al Wafd 5100 1 Human rights organization criticizes the inactivity of political and civil life.
    25/6 Al Hayat 14702 6 EOHR officially registered
    25/6 Al Ahrar 4200 3 In the framework of the implementation of the plan to cancel state security courts and incorporate them in normal legislation: widening of the prosecution office powers…rejected.
    26/6 Al Sharq al Awsat 8976 7 EOHR officially recognised by government after 18 years.
    26/6 Al Midan 509 6 Law condemns attacking Sharon
    27/6 Al Wafd 5102 2 Registration of EOHR as an NGO.
    28/6 Rose al Youssef 3916 86 After official recognition of EOHR. Abu Seada: We expect more support for freedoms and human rights values.
    28/6 Al Ahrar 4202 Backpage EOHR sends a mission to Iraq to identify the bodies
    28/6 Al Haqiqa 760 6 Human rights group demand that the American enemy liberate the Arabs via Iraq.
    30/6 Al Ahrar 4205 8 Refusal and registration!
    30/6 Sowt al Umma 135 8 Finally…EOHR is an NGO.
    1/7 Al Qahira 168 9 EOHR an NGO.
    1/7 Al Ahrar 4206 3 Egyptians in Iraq without protection.
    2/7 Al Ahaly 1134 6 Improvement or embellishment?
    3/7 Afaq Arabiya 614 4 “Nationalisation” of human rights.
    3/7 Al Wafd 1010 8 Annulment of the suspected laws is more important than establishing the Council
    3/7 Afaq Arabiya 614 2 EOHR condemns neglecting the opposition and military trials for civilians
    5/7 Rose al Youssef 3917 103 The corpses of 42 Egyptians in mass graves in Iraq.
    7/7 Al Ahrar 4212 8 Registration, a new battle between the government and human rights groups.
    7/7 Al Ahrar 4212 8 Human rights groups representatives doubt the seriousness of the founding of the National Council for Human Rights.
    8/7 Al Geel 60 9 EOHR calls for release of two detainees because of their bad health.
    8/7 Al Qahira 169 2 EOHR annual report.
    9/7 Al Ahaly 1135 5 The suffering of Egyptian women.
    10/7 Al Ahram Weekly 646 3 Braced for new challenges.
    18/7 Al Sharq al Awsat 8998 7 EOHR warns of increased marginalisation of the law.
    20/7 Al Araby 868 3 EOHR expresses its fears about state security court verdicts justifying administrative detention.
    21/7 Al Sharq al Awsat 9001 8 EOHR condemns the stopping of one of its members at Cairo Airport
    21/7 Al Ahrar 4226 8 Criticisms to Egypt’s situation of the International Criminal Court
    22/7 Al Geel 62 1 Human rights organization condemns the conspiracy and support the role of al Geel
    23/7 Al Sharq al Awsat 9003 8 EOHR condemns the violations of the rights of al Gehad and al Takfeer prisoners
    4/8 Al Khalig 1 The annulment of the Belgian International Legislation is the disaster for Arabs and a step for the American dominance 
    6/8 Afaq Arabiya 619 6 Egyptian protection for American war criminals!
    12/8 Al Qahira 174 11 Human rights groups accuse the television.
    13/8 Al Ahaly 1140 7 New attack on freedoms in Egypt.
    25/8 Sowt al Umma 143 21 Roundtable discussion on Egyptian legislation, protection from torture and prosecution of its perpetrators.
    25/8 Al  Sharq al Awsat 9036 8 Egyptian rights activists examine legislative shortcomings in fighting torture.
    29/8 Al Sharq al Awsat 9040 7 Egyptian rights groups prepare anti-torture legislation.
    2/9 Al Geel 67 2 EOHR condemns UN headquarters bombing in Baghdad.
    2/9 Al Wafd 5160 6 The Egyptian citizen and health rights.
    22/9 Al Hayat 14791 6 Rights organisation calls for investigation into death of a detainee caused by torture.
    23/9 Al Qahira  180 6 EOHR holds training session on social violence.
    25/9 Al Qahira 626 3 Who killed al Rouby?!
    30/9 Al Ahrar 4297 1 EOHR: “NDP decisions are not enough to realise political reform.”
    2/10 Afaq Arabiya 627 2 NDP decisions are not enough to realise political reform.
    2/10 Al Wafd 1023 5 Political reform prescription
    6/10 Al Ahrar 8 Internews holds ends its training session on the improvement of social. Peace.
    7/10 Al Wafd 990 3 Keeping military ruling for the protection of national security: what is national security?
    8/10 Al Sharq al Awsat 9080 7 Egyptian political analysts demands that Mubarak amend the Constitution and change the Presidential electoral system.
    10/10 Al Hayat 14809 5 Groups demand cancellation of the state of emergency and Saededdin Ibrahim proposes civil disobedience.
    14/10 Aqeedty 10 The Organization workshop: values of democracy end conflicts and racism
    14/10 Al Geel 73 1 Demonstrations in front of the Abdeen Palace calling for cancellation of the state of emergency.
    16/10 Afaq Arabiya 629 5 EOHR: the state of emergency has freed the hand of security groups to shackle freedoms.
    16/10 Afaq Arabiya 629 5 Emergency law…enough. Military courts…enough.
    17/10 Al Wafd 5198 6 Together….to annul exceptional laws and courts.
    20/10 Al Ahrar 4317 8 In the wake of the transfer of Ezzeddin al Asqalany to court: EOHR calls for an end to penalties which have a negative effect on freedoms in media cases.
    20/10 Al Ahrar 4317 8 EOHR calls for the annulment of prison punishment in publishing crimes
    21/10 Al Wafd 5202 1 Banning of Committee for the Defence of Democracy march in front of Abdeen Palace for security reasons.
    21/10 Al Midan 10 EOHR Secretary General “US and European pressure for political and constitutional reform.”
    23/10 Afaq Arabiya 630 5 Human rights activists demand an end to the state of emergency.
    27/10 Al Ahrar 4324 8 Background to the need for new legislation to fight torture.
    27/10 Al Sharq al Awsat 9099 7 EOHR condemns the torture of 11 citizens at Helwan Police Station
    27/10 Al Ahrar 4324 8 The International Court of Justice is not binding to UN
    29/10 Al Ahaly 1151 7 Committee on Defending Democracy threaten to go to court
    2/11 Al Araby 883 3 Participation in dialogue with the ruling party causes divisions within human rights groups.
    2/11 Al Araby 883 1 Human rights groups restate their solidarity with Al-Asqalany and demand an end to laws restricting freedom.
    5/11 Nahdat Masr 3 2 EOHR: Dialogue is merely an attempt to appease civil society.
    9/11 Al Araby 884 5 Interior Ministry began reviewing the electoral register in November.
    10/11 Sowt al Umma 154 15 EOHR expresses its fear about the banning of the book “Advice on women’s love”
    11/11 Al Ahrar 4339 3 Confession of the accused…End of the legal problems.
    12/11 Nahdat Masr 4 18 The Association for Legal Aid and EOHR decide to join the defence committee for writer Abdel Aziz el Mouwafy.
    12/11 Nahdat Masr 4 18 The National Council for Human Rights…Non implementation.
    12/11 Nahdat Masr 4 18 News in brief.
    12/11 Nahdat Masr 4 18 Civil society institutions: EOHR.
    12/11 Nahdat Masr 4 15 On the margin of Bush’s speech…Is democracy a national demand or a US edict?
    13/11 Cairo Times 36 8 Brother tortured.
    17/11 Al Usbuua 350 4 Death of a citizen!
    19/11 Nahdat Masr 5 15 A dangerous new phenomenon threatens the right freedom and personal security.
    19/11 Nahdat Masr 5 15 EOHR: seizure of books that threaten the civil state
    1/12 Sowt al Umma 157 13 EOHR issues press release criticising Committee for Party Political Affairs’ objection to founding of the Social Constitutional Party.
    30/11 Al Hayat 14859 5 A journalist was suspected of being an American agent
    1/12 Al Usbuua 352 3 Exercises of breaking the walls of silence
    1/12 Al Ahrar 4359 3 Azzam to be traded with 50 Egyptians detained in Israel
    1/12 Al Ahrar 4359 8 The future of dialogue between the opposition and the ruling party…unclear.
    3/12 Nahdat Masr 7 23 EOHR demands that torture legislation be reviewed.
    3/12 Nahdat Masr 7 23 America and the human rights: pressure on Egypt.
    4/12 Al Akhbar 11 EOHR report on nationality law.
    5/12 Al Wafd 5240 5 Draft law amending the Criminal Procedures Code.
    8/12 Al Ahrar 8 EOHR calls for cancellation of the Political Parties Law.
    10/12 Al Ahaly 1156 4 Solidarity demonstration with the “socialist and revolutionary” suspects
    11/12 Cairo Times 7 Trial of the Left?
    11/12 Al Hayat 14870 2 Egypt: The opposition draw up draft anti torture law.
    15/12 Al Ahrar 8 Nasserist, Islamist and Liberal parliament members adopt a law project for fighting torture in Egypt 
    16/12 Al Ahram 2 Solidarity with Egyptian women married to Palestinians.
    16/12 Al Hayat 81 6 A suggestion to amend the Penal Code suggested by EOHR and adopted by the parliament members
    17/12 Nahdat Masr 9 18 Amending the Penal Code: prepared by EOHR
    18/12 Al Wafd 1034 4 EOHR discusses the legal framework of Egyptian nationality.
    21/12 Al Ahrar 3 Fake medical reports threaten justice
    21/12 Al Hayat 14880 6 Egypt: NDP member of Parliament’s reinstated.
    30/12 Al Zaman 2 Children without Identity.


    d. EOHR's international activity
    EOHR participated in regional and international human rights conferences such as the Human Rights and Fighting Torture Conference organised by FIDH and the Turkish Human Rights League and held in Turkey from the 23rd - 29th September. The Conference was attended by EOHR Secretary General Hafez Abu Seada.
    EOHR was also invited to attend training sessions abroad such as the Anbatawy 13th training session held in Tunisia in 6th of July 2003 and was attended by Safaa Ali Hassan representing EOHR.

    e. Books and publications
    EOHR published the following three books in 2003:
    The state of human rights in Egypt. EOHR's annual report. (Arabic)
    The state of human rights in Egypt. EOHR's annual report. (English)
    In defence of human rights (part seven) (Arabic)






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    Egyptian Organization for Human Rights is a member in five Organisations that are Consultant in the UN Economic Social Council (ECOSOC)

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