On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the human rights situation in Egypt, in particular the sentencing of Hisham Kassem.

MEPs demand the immediate and unconditional release of Hisham Kassem, sentenced in September to six months in prison and a fine on a charge of defamation and slander for an online post criticising former Egyptian minister Abu Eita. They urge Egyptian authorities to drop all politically motivated charges against him and call on the EU delegation and member states representatives to visit him in prison.

Ahead of the December 2023 presidential election in Egypt, Mr. Kassem has played a pivotal role in founding the Free Current, a coalition of liberal opposition parties and personalities.

MEPs underline the importance of holding credible, free and fair elections in Egypt and urge authorities to stop the harassment of peaceful opposition figures, including aspiring presidential candidates like former parliamentarian Ahmed El Tantawy.

MEPs also call on the Egyptian authorities to uphold the rule of law, freedom of expression, press, media and association and an independent judiciary. They demand the release of tens of thousands of prisoners arbitrarily detained for peacefully expressing their opinion.

The text was adopted by 379 votes in favour, 30 against and 31 abstentions.