After referring his case to “injustice” State Security Prosecution, Kareem Amer is sentenced to additional 45 days in custody

Cairo – 19 December 2006,

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (HRinfo) condemns Higher State Security Prosecution (HSSP) decision to hold in custody the Egyptian blogger Kareem Amer for additional 45 days pending investigation. Kareem’s case was eventually referred to HSSP to consider it.

Kareem Amer, held in custody since 45 days ago, arrived at Eastern Alexandria Integral Court guarded closely by officers from State Security Service in Alexandria. Kareem was also prevented from seeing his lawyer from HRinfo. The lawyer insisted on demanding whether to trial him or to immediately release him, upon the fact that the investigations have already been completed one month ago. However, the prosecution sentenced him for additional 45 days in custody.

Kareem Amer told HRinfo, in spite of prevention, that he is detained incommunicado at Al-Hadra prison in Alexandria. Such detention circumstances applied on Kareem are considered punitive, although he did no crime.

In addition, Kareem’s family is prevented from visiting him. This is considered a sever violation of law.

HRinfo’s lawyer was astonished that she heard before the start of investigation that Kareem is decided to spend additional 45 days in custody; this already took place after investigation. Therefore, suspicions are aroused that there are no adherence to fairness standards, to the extent that detention period is decided even before interrogating the accused.

Arabic Network for Human Rights Information deplores these injustice and unfair practices, and announces that Kareem’s life is in danger because of his detention circumstances and depriving him from his family visits. That is in addition to entitling State Security Service, which is famous for its brutality, to supervise his case. HRinfo calls upon local and international civil society to protect the life of that young opinion prisoner who is denied his right to be trialed.

Visit HRINFO for more information regarding Kareem’s case.