Egyptian Alliance for Human Rights and the Dialogue Forum for Development and Human Rights condemned, Thursday ‘the arbitrary measures’ taken by the Italian authorities against Egyptian activist Muhammad Arafat, who is one of the most prominent leaders of ‘Si Cobas’.
Arafat was arrested on February 1st after demonstrating along with number of his colleges due to the dismissal of a large number of employees working for TnT company based in Piacenza, Italy.
The company said that its decision comes as part of restructuring measures; however, such a decision will lead to the displacement and dismissal of hundreds of workers in violation of the law.
The Egyptian activist was arrested among other three leaders affiliated with ‘Si Cobas’ during their demonstration dispersal.
The police used violence including firing tear gas grenades and chasing demonstrators on the streets in order to arrest them.
Arafat and his colleges are facing accusations of inciting violence and resisting a public official.
Bassma Foad, executive director of Dialogue Forum for Development and Human Rights, described Muhammad to be an ‘honest human rights leader’ who has such a great history defending worker’s rights.
She added that Arafat has been always against violence, and never been accused of violating the Italian law. ‘He was always calling on the non-use of violence and defended all workers, regardless their nationalities.’ Basma said.
Fouad further clarified that Arafat and his family are now under ‘house arrest’ and that they are denied all means of communication, and ‘suffering of inhumane conditions due to the restriction of their freedom.’
Saeed Abdel Hafez, the coordinator of the Egyptian Alliance for Human Rights, called on the Italian authorities to drop the ‘malicious charges’ against Arafat and his colleagues, to cancel the house arrest, and to provide them ‘more humane environment.’
Egypt Today
