The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) reports on the third failed attempt to visit Kareem on in Borg al-Arab prison since May 2009. Despite obtaining all the necessary permits from the General Attorney’s office, the ANHRI lawyers were denied access to Kareem on July 16. On July 6, reporter Magdi Samaan who traveled to see Karim was not allowed to see him. During their wait in the prison, the lawyers noticed people, who were deemed “VIP” by the prison personnel, who were allowed to visit prisoners despite not having the official permits.

The lawyers were able to bribe a guard with a significant amount of money so they can receive a letter from Kareem. In his letter to the lawyers, Kareem describes how he glanced at the prison log book and was able to see that it said that he was the one who refused to meet with Samaan. Except for this clear fabrication, Kareem has been accused of being “multi-religious” by the prison guards and in the past, tortured. Based on this dangerous pattern, the ANHRI voiced their concern about Kareem’s safety. We at FreeKareem.org join this call.