14 political parties, human rights condemn revocation of Sadat

CAIRO – 5 March 2017: Many political parties and human rights organizations condemned the revocation of the parliamentary membership of MP Mohammed Anwar el-Sadat in a session on Monday, Feb.27, with a majority of two thirds of members voted against him, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIRS) said in a press statement, Thursday.

Sadat, who was the representative of the Tala district in Menoufiya governorate, was facing accusations of leaking allegedly a draft law, as well as his public critiquing of the parliament, the accusations which he completely denied.

“We, the undersigned organizations, affirm that Sadat’s parliamentary expulsion is irreconcilable with an open, democratic society. The public disclosure of draft laws should not be dealt with as if military secrets were leaked - misconduct worthy of official disciplinary measures. Criticizing the parliament in public forums is fundamental to the MPs’ right to express their opinions; and moreover, is fundamental to their role as representatives.” CIRS said in the statement.

Organizations and parties signed on the statement are: Constitution Party, Bread and Liberty Party, Egyptian Social Democratic Party, Egyptian Popular Current, Nazra for Feminist Studies, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Arab Network for Human Rights Information, The Egyptian Observatory for Training and Consultation, El-Nadeem Center, Misryon Against Religious Discrimination, The Egyptian Association for Community Participation Enhancement, and Arab Organization for Penal Reform.