Mohammed Mahdy Othman Akef - Egypt: Prisoner of Faith

EGYPT

Mohmmaed Mahdy Othman Akef: Prisoner of Faith At the age of 68, he was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment by a military court in 1996, after a show trial without a proper defence. He has already served 20 years under Nasser's regime from 1954 - 1974.

He is married with four children. He is a former MP (1987 - 90), as well as a retired director of the Youth Development Division with the Ministry of Urban Development. At the time of his arrest he was Chairman of the Islamic Education and Development Foundation. He is also a former director of the Islamic Centre of Munich, West Germany. He is a leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood.

There are an estimated 50,000 prisoners held without charge or sentenced without fair trial in Egypt. Torture of suspects and prisoners is common, with many dying as a result.

Please write to the following asking for the immediate release of Mohammed Mahdy Othman Akef and all prisoners of faith in Egypt.

Dr. Kamal Al Ganzouri Position: The Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Ministry of Planning Cairo Egypt

Counsellor Farouk Seif El Nasr Position: Minister of Justice. Ministry of Planning Cairo Egypt

Please also write to the Egyptian Ambassador in your country. Some addresses are listed on the Egyptian Embassy page.

Please also write to Mrs. Mary Robinson, the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights asking her to intervene in this case. Her address is:

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Geneva Switzerland

If you would like more information on Mohammed Mahdy Othman Akef, or would like copies of sample letters to send, please e-mail us: ihrc@dial.pipex.com.

Many thanks.