Egypt has ordered the deportation of three detained Syrians who celebrated President Bashar al-Assad’s reported fall. The arrests occurred during public celebrations in Cairo, leading to concerns from the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights about excessive security measures and the treatment of refugees. The organization has called for the release of those detained and highlighted risks associated with potential deportations to Syria, deemed unsafe by the UNHCR.
Recently, Egypt has mandated the deportation of three Syrian individuals who were arrested following their participation in street celebrations in Cairo, marking the reported fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (Eipr) reported that, on December 8 and 9, approximately 30 Syrians were detained by security forces in Cairo as they celebrated the significant political shift regarding Assad’s presidency, which had lasted over fifty years. The Eipr expressed dismay over the detainment, noting that there was a spontaneous gathering that concluded before police intervention.
The detentions coincided with claims by Syrian rebels of having gained control over Damascus, prompting Syrian citizens in Egypt to express joy over the news. The Eipr indicated that among those arrested, six individuals possessing residency permits were released shortly afterward, while those with temporary asylum seeker cards remained detained. This situation has raised alarms, particularly when it was reported that these asylum seekers were transferred back to police custody from immigration authorities, leading to speculation about their imminent deportation.
Further complicating the situation, in the Second District of Sixth of October City, additional Syrians faced random arrests as police sought to disperse celebratory gatherings. Although no formal charges were reported, the Eipr condemned the government’s disproportionate reaction, asserting that these measures severely restrict the freedom of expression among individuals aiming to celebrate or communicate their opinions.
The rights group has called upon Egyptian authorities to release detainees and abstain from deporting them back to Syria, especially given the precarious conditions present in their homeland. The Eipr emphasized that forced returns could expose these individuals to significant risks, a sentiment echoed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which has cautioned against considering Syria safe for refugees.
Approximately 136,700 Syrian refugees were registered in Egypt as of December 2021, underscoring the importance of recognizing their status and rights within the Egyptian legal framework. The Eipr urged law enforcement and the Public Prosecutor’s Office to comply with international obligations towards refugees, reinforcing that dismantling their safety is contrary to established agreements.
The issue of Syrian refugees in Egypt is complex, rooted in the ongoing conflict in Syria that began in 2011. As the situation escalated, Egypt became a refuge for many fleeing violence and persecution. However, the recent political turbulence surrounding Assad’s regime has reignited tensions for Syrian expatriates in Egypt. The right to peaceful assembly and expression is being tested against the backdrop of Egypt’s internal security policies, which have been criticized by various human rights organizations for being overly stringent.
In conclusion, the deportation of three Syrians following their participation in anti-Assad celebrations raises significant concerns regarding human rights and the treatment of refugees in Egypt. The excessive measures taken by security forces illustrate the challenging environment faced by Syrians living outside their homeland. Advocacy groups continue to urge for adherence to international legal standards to ensure the safety and rights of refugees amid an increasingly uncertain landscape.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
