The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein [official profile] expressed grave concern [press release] on Wednesday over the closure of hundreds of Egypt’s civil society organizations and the prosecutions of numerous human rights activists in Egypt for their legitimate work since November 2014. The High Commissioner stated that, “[t]his looks like a clampdown on sections of Egyptian civil society and it must stop. … NGOs who have played a valuable role in documenting violations and supporting victims will see their activities completely crippled if this continues.” The High Commissioner directed attention to two prominent human rights defenders, Gamal Eid and Hossam Bahgat, who have been accused of illegally receiving funding of USD $1.5 million from a foreign government without a license. Earlier this week, Muzen Hassan, director of the Nazra Centre for Feminist Studies, was also summoned for investigation concerning “foreign funding” of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by an examining magistrate. The High Commissioner stated that, “[e]veryone has the right to receive funds to promote human rights through peaceful means. The Egyptian authorities must stop all prosecutions targeting legitimate human rights activities.” According to the High Commissioner, at least 20 NGOs were dissolved on just one day this month. The High Commissioner made particular reference to the closure of Nadeem Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence [JURIST report], which had been told that it breached its license to carry out human rights activities by publishing reports on torture. The High Commissioner also referred to Egyptian sources in pointing to travel bans whereby “hundreds of people have been prevented from entering or leaving the country, in many cases without any judicial order.” He added that “Laws that impose undue restrictions on NGO registration and funding—as well as freedom of expression and association—must be amended to create a more tolerant atmosphere.”

Egypt has been on the headlines in recent months over its many human rights infringements and free speech violations. Of particular concern with Egypt’s constitutional and human rights is indeed the prosecution and imprisonment of journalists by the Egyptian government, which has garnered widespread criticism from governments and rights groups worldwide. Ironically, two weeks ago, Egypt Justice Minister Ahmed al-Zind was relieved of his position after he stated that he would even imprison the Prophet Mohammed in response a question regarding the imprisonment of journalists. January 13 non-governmental organizations issued a joint statement [JURIST report] to the Egyptian parliament giving recommendations to ensure the enforcement of constitutional and human rights. Last December Egyptian lawyer Nasser Amin challenged a law [JURIST report] that allows writers to be jailed for writings that violate Egyptian “morals.” In August 2015 Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi [BBC profile] approved [JURIST report] a 54-article counter-terrorism law that has been met with significant controversy, as many believe it infringes on the freedom of the press. Many have said that the law defines terrorism too broadly and imposes harsh sentences and fines on violators. Also in August 2015, Human Rights Watch (advocacy website] criticized [JURIST report] the law saying it infringes on freedom of the press.