Press freedom groups concerned over human rights in Egypt – JURIST

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and 14 other press freedom and human rights organizations sent a letter to the EU Monday raising concerns over Egypt’s lack of progress on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

As part of the elevation of the EU-Egypt relationship to a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership in March 2024, the EU pledged €5 billion in financial assistance. According to CPJ, one of the main conditions attached to the funding was for Egypt to make progress on key human rights issues. This period of EU-Egypt relations has been described quite positively, but the rights groups emphasize that “Unless the EU and Member States press Egypt to improve its human rights situation, that ‘golden age’ risks becoming one of deepening repression and instability.”

The CPJ letter stresses the ongoing “systematic and widespread” use of enforced disappeared and torture, as well arbitrary detentions in “abysmal conditions,” including 18 journalists being imprisoned in 2025. These tactics have also affected human rights defenders, scholars, minorities, and peaceful opposition leaders.

For example, Egyptian political commentator Ahmed Douma was sentenced earlier this month to one year in prison for his publications about poor prison conditions. CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah said at the time that “[n]o journalist should face prison for sharing firsthand experiences or expressing critical opinions.” Additionally, several activists and members of the Committee to Defend Prisoners of Conscience were arrested on May 25 following a “peaceful rally,” which has been condemned by Amnesty International.

The rights groups also warn of the lack of investigation into mass graves found in Sinai, which may provide documented evidence of extrajudicial executions. The signatories situate this failure to uphold legal obligations to investigate as part of a pattern, stating:

Egyptian authorities persist in disregarding the rule of law, as exemplified by widespread denial of due process and unfair trials, as well as practices of case rotation and double jeopardy, all in violation of Egypt’s constitutional rights guarantees and international human rights commitments.

CPJ and fellow signatories call on the EU to put pressure on Egypt to engage in concrete reforms, calling the current National Human Rights Strategy and other efforts largely symbolic. This position has previously been taken by Amnesty International, through a detailed report of serious human rights violations “conceal[ed]” by the strategy, including unlawful killings, mass arbitrary detentions, and discrimination against women and girls and other minorities. Human Rights Watch also recently found extensive evidence of “widespread and abusive detention.”

This letter was published in advance of the EU-Egypt Association Council meeting which will take place on June 15. This meeting will involve a review of the partnership, and the CPJ and partners urge the EU to use the meeting as “an opportunity to hold Egypt accountable.”

The EU and Egypt have had a long-standing relationship. Their Association Agreement came into force in June 2004, providing a framework for development, partnership, and funding.

These issues in Egypt are part of a broader trend of “persistent threats” to journalists and media freedom across the Middle East and North Africa region.