Egypt's mission to UN rejects statement of High Commissioner for Human Rights on releasing Alaa Abd el-Fattah

CAIRO – 9 November 2022: The Egyptian mission to the United Nations in Geneva said Tuesday that it rejects a statement by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, that calls for the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah,” an Egyptian citizen who has been tried, convicted and is currently serving his sentence.”

The mission called the commission’s description of a judicial ruling as “unfair” is an “unacceptable insult.” The commission’s statement further undermines the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law as an indispensable cornerstone for the protection and promotion of human rights, the Egyptian missions continued.

missions continued.

Türk’s statement “violates the principles of impartiality and objectivity stated in the General Assembly resolution establishing his mandate, and is addressing an individual issue on the basis of selectivity which further puts in doubt his objectivity.”

The High Commissioner relied on unfounded information from sources that promote false allegations and using them as facts in a statement undermines his credibility and the credibility of the institution he represents on behalf of the international community.

The Egyptian mission called on the High Commissioner to focus on promoting and protecting human rights through cooperation and dialogue, rather than advocating the violation of national laws.