Egypt: Random Arrest and Blocking of Websites and Closure of Emergency Phones for Front of Defense Egypt Protestors

Cairo, 25th January 2011

Today , Front of Defense Egypt Protestors( FDEP) said that "the repression from the Egyptian authorities against protestors and preventing them from their rights have been reached to direct attacks, random arrest, detention , blocking websites and closure of emergency numbers of activists. This is a disgrace for Egyptian government is added to its bad record of disrespect for human rights, these acts will increase FDEP and activists passion to expose the Egyptian government practices"

These practices are consistent with the proactive statements the Egyptian government declared on behalf of some of its representatives and the threat of arresting protestors and activists. This confirms the intention of Egyptian authorities to ban protests.

FDEP added that it documented number of violations the protestors faced today and is ready to provide legal assistance for detainees and arrested one who are around 50 persons. FDEP will prosecute the violators to demonstrators today.

The collective group of 25th January is a call from number of political movements, parties and civil society activists to peaceful assemblies in number of Egyptian governorates to protest against bad economic situation, the aggression of security forces and in solidarity to torture victims, such as Khaled Said and Saeed Belal.

For information on updated list of detained persons and updates on protest: http://egyprotest-defense.blogspot.com/