UN Experts Warn Egypt’s Post-Release Restrictions Continue to Punish Defenders

“We recently raised concerns about the continued detention of human rights defenders on renewed and similar charges,” the experts said.

Independent United Nations human rights experts have raised fresh concerns over ongoing restrictions imposed on human rights defenders in Egypt, warning that release from detention has not meant freedom from punishment.

In a statement issued today, the experts said that travel bans, asset freezes, and terrorism listings continue to severely restrict the lives of human rights defenders even after they have served sentences or received presidential pardons.

“We recently raised concerns about the continued detention of human rights defenders on renewed and similar charges,” the experts said. “But even those who have been released continue to face restrictions that make a return to normal life virtually impossible.”

Punished After Release

Many defenders charged under Egypt’s counterterrorism law remain subject to punitive measures after release, including placement on terrorism watchlists, frozen bank accounts, and bans on international travel—often without clear evidence or judicial remedy.

“These restrictions have devastating consequences for individuals and their families, affecting their ability to work, travel, and enjoy basic economic and social rights,” the experts said.

Among the cases highlighted are Gasser Abdel Razek, Karim Ennarah, and Mohamed Bashir, senior members of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR). Arrested in November 2020, the three were released following intense international pressure, only to be immediately placed under asset freezes and travel bans.

“This is deeply concerning,” the experts said, noting that Egyptian law provides the right to appeal asset freezes—an avenue the three have pursued unsuccessfully.

Terrorism Listings Without Evidence

The experts also expressed alarm over the case of human rights lawyer Mohamed El-Baqer, who was detained in multiple cases related to similar counterterrorism charges. While in prison in late 2020, El-Baqer was added to Egypt’s terrorism watchlist for five years, triggering a travel ban and freezing his assets.

Although El-Baqer received a presidential pardon in 2023, he remains on the terrorism list.

“What makes this all the more shocking is that one day before the initial five-year period expired, El-Baqer was added to the terrorist list for another five years—without any evidence being provided,” the experts said.

Pardoned, Yet Still Restricted

Another case cited is that of Samir Abdel Hai, a human rights defender arrested in 2021 after returning from university studies in Vienna focused on Egypt’s anti-abortion laws. Though sentenced to three years in prison, he was freed by presidential pardon in mid-2022.

Despite this, Abdel Hai remains subject to a travel ban, officially justified on grounds that he poses a threat to national security.

The experts questioned how someone deemed safe enough to receive a presidential pardon could still be considered a security threat.

Call for Immediate Action

“These human rights defenders were prosecuted under vague counterterrorism provisions,” the experts said. “They have either completed their sentences or been pardoned. There is no legal or moral justification for the continuation of these restrictions.”

The experts urged Egyptian authorities to lift all remaining punitive measures, bring counterterrorism practices into line with international human rights standards, and ensure that releases are meaningful rather than symbolic.

They confirmed they remain in dialogue with the Egyptian Government regarding these cases.