Egyptian Court Dismisses 'Foreign Funding' Case 173 Against Remaining Five Human Rights Organizations

CAIRO – March 22, 2024: An Egyptian court has dismissed Case 173 of 2011, commonly known as the "Foreign Funding" case, against five human rights organizations, opting to close the case.

The Board of Trustees of the Egyptian National Dialogue has welcomed the judicial decision, asserting that there is no legal basis for pursuing criminal charges against the remaining five organizations. These organizations include the Initiative Center for Studies and Consultations, the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), the Arab Penal Reform Organization (APRO), the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), and the Al-Nadim Center for the Treatment and Psychological Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence.

The Board of Trustees reiterated its appreciation for President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's support for the national dialogue, emphasizing its crucial role in proposing constructive measures to establish the new republic based on principles of constitutionalism, legality, and adherence to international human rights treaties.

Furthermore, the Board of Trustees highlighted the collaborative efforts between the national dialogue and the government, particularly through the establishment of a joint coordination committee aimed at expediting the implementation of the dialogue's initial outcomes. This cooperation underscores the efficacy and practicality of the dialogue, which is expected to have positive ramifications on both the political and economic landscape in the foreseeable future.

While the closure of Case No. 173 of 2011 marks a significant milestone, it is merely one of many steps forward, the board said, adding that it serves as an incentive for the Board of Trustees to continue its close collaboration with the governmenta.

The origins of Case No. 173 trace back to 2011 when then-Justice Minister Essam Sharaf commissioned an investigation into the foreign funding received by Egyptian and foreign civil society organizations to ascertain their compliance with national laws and regulations.

In June 2014, an Egyptian court handed down various prison sentences, ranging from one to five years, to 43 employees of Egyptian and foreign non-governmental organizations. Additionally, the court ordered the closure of several NGOs in Egypt, including Freedom House and the International Center for Journalists. However, in 2018, all 43 staff members were acquitted of charges related to receiving foreign funds and operating through an illegal entity for criminal purposes.

Throughout the proceedings, charges against numerous NGOs were dismissed across multiple trials.

With the dismissal of charges against the aforementioned organizations, Case No. 173 has now been officially closed.