Egypt has ordered the deportation of three Syrians detained during celebrations of Assad’s fall. The arrests followed spontaneous gatherings that coincided with significant political developments in Syria. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights has condemned the actions of the authorities and called for the immediate release of the detainees, highlighting the risks of forced repatriation to Syria.
Egypt has recently ordered the deportation of three Syrian nationals who were detained following their participation in street celebrations in Cairo that marked the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (Eipr) reported that approximately 30 Syrians were arrested on December 8 and 9 while celebrating the end of over 50 years of Assad’s rule. The Eipr disclosed that the arrested individuals were celebrating a momentous occasion when Syrian rebels announced their control over Damascus, leading to Assad’s flight to Russia.
The spontaneous gathering outside the Hosary mosque was swiftly dispersed by police within a mere 15 minutes. In another location in the city, law enforcement arrested 20 additional Syrians during unrelated celebrations. Although some detainees with residency permits were released shortly after, several others, holding temporary asylum seeker cards, remained in custody. Concerns have been raised regarding the legal ramifications of these actions.
On December 11, the asylum seekers were transferred to the passport and immigration authority, igniting fears of imminent deportation. The Eipr has criticized the Egyptian authorities for what they describe as excessive security measures that stifle freedom of expression and public assembly. The organization has urged immediate action from the Egyptian government to release detained Syrians and avoid deportations, especially considering the volatile situation in Syria.
The Eipr emphasized that forced repatriation poses significant risks to those affected, contrary to the guidelines set forth by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) which deems Syria unsafe for refugee returns. The rights group has called upon law enforcement to uphold international protocols regarding the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. Notably, Syrians make up half of the refugee population in Egypt, with approximately 136,700 individuals registered with the UNHCR as of December 2021.
The deportation of Syrians by Egypt follows a wave of arrests connected to their celebrations of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime fall in Syria. This political turbulence has sparked concerns over the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt, a country hosting a significant Syrian refugee population. Despite some detainees being released, those with temporary asylum seeker status remain at risk of deportation. The legal and humanitarian implications of these actions raise alarms regarding the safety and rights of the individuals affected.
In conclusion, the Egyptian authorities’ decision to deport detained Syrians following their public celebrations of Assad’s regime fall has sparked significant concern. The actions taken by security forces highlight the precarious status of refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt. As organizations like Eipr urge adherence to international laws, the potential dangers of deportation remain a pressing issue, necessitating immediate attention and intervention.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
