Egyptian Canadians Condemn Today's Verdict Against Mohamed Fahmy and Other Al Jazeera Journalists
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
(Ottawa, August 29, 2015) The Egyptian Canadian Coalition for Democracy (ECCD) condemns today's verdict that sentenced Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy along with two other Al-Jazeera journalists to 3 years in prison. A court in Cairo convicted Mohamed Fahmy, Baher Mohamed, and Peter Greste for allegedly spreading false news, aiding a terrorist organization, and working without a license.
"The verdict confirms that the Harper government's unconditional support of coup regime provides a green light for the Egyptian regime to continue its oppression even against Canadian citizens," said Ehab Lotayef, ECCD's Board Chair. "Today's conviction is part of the ongoing human rights violations which range from lack of due process to targeted assassinations," added Mr. Lotayef.
Considering the reputation of Egyptian prisons, the Canadian government ought to be extremely concerned about the well being of Mr. Fahmy, a Canadian citizen. According to Human Rights Watch report, the Egyptian authorities have jailed more than 41,000 people since the 2013 July 3rd military coup. At least seventy of those detainees have since died in custody due to torture and medical negligence, according to a report by the Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK.
In view of today's latest travesty of justice by the Egyptian judicial system, ECCD calls upon Mr. Harper and the Canadian government to abide by Canadian values and take a principled position. ECCD calls upon the Canadian government to publicly, and in no uncertain terms, condemn and contest the verdict and utilize all possible means to free Mohamed Fahmy and facilitate his return to Canada.
About ECCD: Egyptian Canadian Coalition for Democracy (ECCD) is a politically independent, non-affiliated pan Canadian organization with chapters in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Quebec City, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Vancouver, and Kingston, which advocates for democracy and human rights in Egypt.
Ottawa: ottawa@eccd.ca, Sherif Elkholy: (613) 295-3994
Toronto: toronto@eccd.ca,
Montreal: montreal@eccd.ca,
Vancouver: vancouver@eccd.ca,
Calgary: calgary@eccd.ca,
Kingston: kingston@eccd.ca,
Toronto: toronto@eccd.ca,
Montreal: montreal@eccd.ca,
Vancouver: vancouver@eccd.ca,
Calgary: calgary@eccd.ca,
Kingston: kingston@eccd.ca,
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