Human rights group condemns Italian arbitrariness against Egyptian activist

CAIRO – 28 March 2021: The Egyptian Coalition for Human Rights and Development (ECHRD) condemned Sunday the arbitrary measures taken by Italian authorities against Egyptian activist Mohamed Arafat who was arrested on February 1 and is now subject to house detention along with his family.

Arafat – member of a workers syndicate - and three others were arrested while protesting among others the layoff of hundreds of workers from an Italian company that is carrying out restructuring.

Although the demonstration was peaceful, Italian authorities used tear gas and violence chasing protesters who ran away.

Arafat is a prominent leader of the Italian Si Cobas trade union, and was protesting in solidarity with the workers of FedEx-TNT in Piacenza, Italy, according to ECHD.

The charges the activists face are occupying public property, aggravated assault against public officials and inciting violence.