Egypt has ordered the deportation of three Syrians detained for celebrating President Assad’s purported fall. Approximately 30 Syrians were arrested during spontaneous gatherings in Cairo, with concerns raised by the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights regarding excessive security measures and the risks posed by deportations back to Syria. The rights group urges immediate release and adherence to international laws protecting refugees.
Egypt has initiated the deportation process for three Syrians detained in connection with celebratory protests regarding the reported fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) reported that approximately 30 Syrian individuals were arrested on December 8 and December 9 in Sixth of October City, as law enforcement dispersed spontaneous gatherings celebrating a significant change in Syria’s leadership, which was marked by reports that Assad had fled to Russia after Syrian opposition forces gained control of Damascus. Among the detainees, three individuals are currently being processed for deportation despite the arrests occurring shortly after the onset of celebrations that lasted only a brief period before police intervention.
Further details revealed that while six detainees with residency permits were released soon after their arrest, those holding temporary asylum seeker cards remained detained. EIPR expressed concerns regarding the transfer of these individuals to the passport and immigration authority and reiterated the potentiality of deportations, which raise severe risks given the ongoing instability within Syria. The rights organization condemned what it termed “excessive security measures” that stifle public demonstrations of support or celebration regarding political developments, calling for the immediate release of detainees and a halt to deportations, citing serious safety concerns articulated by the UNHCR.
As of December 2021, the Syrian refugee population in Egypt numbered approximately 136,700, illustrating the gravity of this situation as the nation grapples with the influx of asylum seekers and the complexities of international obligations against potential forced returns to dangerous environments.
The arrest and subsequent deportation orders of these Syrians demonstrate the ongoing challenges faced by refugees in expressing political sentiments and the broader implications for their rights and safety in the host nation.
The situation facing Syrian refugees in Egypt is complex, particularly as the ongoing conflict in Syria continues to generate significant displacement both within the country and across borders. Since the onset of the Syrian civil war, Egypt has become a host to a large refugee population, including approximately 136,700 registered refugees with the UNHCR as of late 2021. Following the recent unrest and celebration surrounding the reported removal of Assad from power, the Egyptian government’s swift response to disperse gatherings illustrates prevailing tensions in managing public expressions of dissent or support among the refugee community. The EIPR’s condemnation of the security measures reflects wider concerns regarding the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees, particularly in light of international legal frameworks designed to protect individuals from forced repatriation into dangerous situations.
In conclusion, the recent deportation orders issued by Egyptian authorities against Syrian nationals who publicly celebrated the apparent fall of President Bashar al-Assad have raised serious human rights concerns. The response from the EIPR underscores the excessive measures taken by security forces, which restrict the rights of refugees to express their political sentiments. Furthermore, the potential deportation of these individuals back to Syria presents significant risks to their safety and well-being, contradicting Egypt’s international obligations to protect refugees.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
