Al Jazeera demands the release of Mahmoud Hussein and launches a solidarity campaign
Al Jazeera journalist Mahmoud Hussein marks 1000 days of arbitrary detention after being detained by Egyptian authorities on December 2016, while on vacation with his family. Mahmoud was in no way under any professional assignment.
Al Jazeera Media Network renews its call for the immediate release of Mahmoud Hussein from arbitrary detention. On 23 May 2019, a court in Egypt rejected the appeal by the prosecutor for the continued detention of Mahmoud and ordered his release from prison. However, in defiance of the court order, the authorities opened a new investigation against him with unspecified charges and has returned him to prison. The Network strongly condemns the Egyptian authorities’ decision to return Mahmoud Hussein to Tora prison despite the court ruling he be released. Mahmoud is being detained by the Egyptian government in flagrant violation of international law and an infringement of his fundamental rights.
Commenting on Mahmoud Hussein’s incarceration, Dr. Mostefa Souag, the Acting Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network stated; “It is a sad day for all journalists; Mahmoud has been held by the Egyptian authorities for 1000 days, with baseless accusations and trumped up charges. We hold the Egyptian government fully responsible for Mahmoud Hussein’s safety and security. It is disgraceful that Mahmoud has once again been sent back to one of the notoriously deplorable prisons in Egypt.”
Dr. Souag further added “on behalf of Al Jazeera Network, I call on all journalists, human rights advocates and people of conscience to stand with, and express solidarity with Mahmoud through all available means. We cannot remain silent on this abhorrent injustice that are colleague endures. His only fault was that he was a professional journalist merely practicing his profession.”
Egypt continues its crackdown on press freedoms, maintaining its position with one of the highest number of journalists detained in the world. Mahmoud Hussein has been robbed from 1000 days of his life, with no end in sight, all without legal justification. Al Jazeera continues to strongly condemn this and refutes all charges against him, and calls on the international community, media professionals, and human rights advocates to raise awareness and demand his immediate freedom.
On Thursday, September 19th, the Network is launching a solidarity campaign coinciding with the 1000 days of arbitrary detention of Mahmoud Hussein. The campaign aims to focus on publicizing the inhumane conditions he endures under detention, and to mobilize support and shed light on his case and call for his immediate release. As part of the campaign an online petition demanding his immediate release has been launched, and can be signed here: www.FreeMahmoudHussein.com
