Egyptian state television announced today, Saturday, that President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has issued a pardon for several prisoners, including prominent activist Ahmed Douma. Douma was arrested ten years ago and was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2019 after being accused of rioting and attacking security forces. He is one of the most prominent figures of the pro-democracy uprising that ousted former President Hosni Mubarak in 2011.
Last month, the authorities released human rights researcher Patrick Zaki and lawyer Mohammed El-Baqer following a presidential pardon. El-Baqer and others were seen greeting Douma after his release from Badr prison. Douma stated in remarks to Reuters: "I wanted to say that I'm happy after ten years, but honestly, I am postponing my happiness until everyone is released. I hope we can celebrate soon."
Since late 2021, Egypt has taken several steps that it claims are aimed at addressing human rights issues, such as pardoning some prominent prisoners. In May, the authorities launched a national dialogue aimed at discussing the future of the country in political, social, and economic fields. On Wednesday, El-Sisi stated that he would refer the recommendations from the dialogue sessions to the relevant authorities and parliament.
Critics reject these steps, describing them as superficial and stating that detentions continue. Prominent activist Alaa Abdel Fattah and many others arrested during a decade-long crackdown on dissent remain in prison. Authorities claim they were detained for security reasons.
Leftist politician Hamdeen Sabahi was among those who welcomed Douma upon his release, thanking El-Sisi for the presidential pardon. He told Reuters: "This is a very important decision for which I thank the President, and I ask him to continue this difficult path we started, but it is not over until Egypt becomes a homeland free of all opinion prisoners." Presidential elections are scheduled for early 2024 amid an economic crisis hitting the country.
