MORE DETAINED ACTIVISTS JOIN HUNGER STRIKE CAMPAIGN IN EGYPT

Alaa Abdel Fattah. Photo: Alaa facebook fanspage — **Alaa Abdel Fattah**. Photo: Alaa facebook fanspage

Cairo, 4 Dzulhijjah 1435/28 September 2014 (MINA) – Two detained members of the April 6 Youth Movement have joined an ongoing hunger strike by campaigners calling for amendment of a controversial protest law and for the release of political prisoners.

Lawyer Mohamed Ramadan said that he had filed a request that both activists, Mohamed Imam and Mohamed Tagian, receive the necessary care for their health during their strike at Borg El-Arab prison where they are detained, Ahram online quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Imam and Tagian were arrested on the third anniversary of the January 25 Revolution this year after taking part in separate protests on that date, and were detained by a decision by the general prosecution.

They are facing accusation of breaking a law promulgated last November which bans demonstrations that have not received prior clearance from the police, and imposes jail sentences or fines on violators. Hundreds have been jailed under its provisions.

A number of campaigners stopped participating in the ongoing hunger strike campaign being waged by a number of prisoners and activists, following this month’s release of renowned activists Alaa Abdel-Fattah and Mahienour El-Masry.

Abdel-Fattah is facing accusation of violating the law but was released on bail. El-Masry walked out of jail free after a judge suspended her 6-months sentence for violating the same law.

Egyptian officials have denied there are any political detainees in Egyptian prisons, stressing that all those detained are facing charges or are being investigated by the prosecution. (T/R04/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)