July 5, 2000

Palestinian human rights groups are deeply concerned about the arrest of Dr. Saadeddin Ibrahim, Director of the Ibn Khaldon Center for Development Studies, and a number of the Center’s employees. We fear such measures have been carried out as part of a campaign against Egyptian civil society, which has included the overruling last month by the Egyptian Higher Constitutional Court of Law No. 153 concerning non-governmental organizations.

Dr. Saadeddin Ibrahim, who is also a Professor of Political Sociology at the American University of Cairo, and one staff members were arrested on July 1, 2000. The office was searched by police and property and correspondence were confiscated. Subsequently, a number of additional staff were arrested. Dr. Ibrahim was interrogated and accused of defiling the reputation of Egypt, contacting foreign organizations, and receiving funds from them. The media reported additional accusations including forgery, bribery, and incitement to undermine public order, security, and national interests.

Civil society plays an important role in the Arab world, especially Egypt. Such a role is vital for the consolidation of democracy, strengthening of human rights, and development of Arab society.

Palestinian human rights organizations call on the government of Egypt to release Dr. Ibrahim and his colleagues immediately and to lift restrictions imposed on the Ibn Khaldon Center for Development Studies. We also call upon Egypt to take effective and positive steps to promote a civil society independent from the executive branch.

1. Palestinian Center for Human Rights
2. LAW – The Palestinian Society for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment
3. Al Haq
4. Gaza Community Mental Health Programme
5. Addamir
6. Al Mezan Center for Human Rights
7. The Center for Democracy and Worker Rights