Iran Press/ Africa: "Egypt’s government is using a secretive security agency designed to fight terrorism to detain peaceful protesters, journalists and critics on trumped-up charges without trial," Amnesty International said in a report released on Wednesday.
The 60-page report by the London-based rights group details how Egypt’s Supreme State Security Prosecution, or SSSP, has become increasingly central to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s sweeping crackdown on dissent.
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"In Egypt today, the Supreme State Security Prosecution has stretched the definition of ‘terrorism’ to encompass peaceful protests, social media posts and legitimate political activities," said Philip Luther, the group’s Middle East and North Africa director.
"Ridiculous prosecutions have proliferated," said report author Hussein Baoumi.
Citing over a hundred cases, Amnesty International said: "The SSSP, a secretive agency comprised of just a few hand-picked judges, is abusing its legal powers as a counterterrorism branch to stifle political dissent."
There was no immediate comment from the government on Amnesty’s report, but authorities have repeatedly denied charges of violations or police brutality.
Anti-government and anti-Sisi demonstrations in Egypt began on 20 September.
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According to Egyptian media, at least 1909 people have been arrested during the protests so far. In recent months, many international organizations and human rights bodies have criticized president al-Sisi's performance with regards to social and political freedoms and human rights abuses in Egypt. 207
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