Hossam Bahgat, a prominent Egyptian human rights activist and executive director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), was released on bail Sunday after being charged with “joining and financing a terrorist group” and “spreading false news.” These charges were leveled against him by Egypt’s Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP), following his questioning last week.
Bahgat was summoned by the SSSP and interrogated for over three hours, although he was not informed about the specifics of the investigation or the charges against him. EIPR condemned the charges, asserting that they were politically motivated and aimed at silencing criticism of the Egyptian government. The organization called for the immediate dismissal of all allegations against Bahgat.
This case marks the fourth investigation into EIPR since 2020, a period during which the group has faced increasing government scrutiny for its advocacy of human rights in Egypt. EIPR highlighted its role in drawing attention to the plight of prisoners on hunger strike at Egypt’s 10th of Ramadan prison, where detainees are protesting the harsh conditions and prolonged pretrial detention.
Amnesty International has documented a pattern of harassment and intimidation against Bahgat and EIPR staff, noting a 2015 incident where Bahgat was detained and had his assets frozen, followed by a travel ban. In 2020, three EIPR employees were also detained on charges related to terrorism, which Amnesty called unfounded.
Human Rights Watch’s 2024 report on Egypt specifically criticized the SSSP for its role in targeting peaceful activists and journalists. The organization described the SSSP as a tool of repression, responsible for the arbitrary detention of individuals who engage in human rights advocacy.
Bahgat’s release on bail comes amidst ongoing concerns over the shrinking space for civil society and political opposition in Egypt. The government’s treatment of human rights defenders has drawn widespread condemnation from international organizations, which continue to call for the protection of fundamental freedoms in the country.
