Decision by Egyptian court to freeze assets of two prominent human rights organizations and their directors

The decision taken by an Egyptian court to freeze the assets of two prominent human right organizations and their directors continues a worrying trend of restricting space for civil society to operate in Egypt as seen by the recent multiplication of travel bans and asset freezes imposed on prominent human rights defenders and organizations.

Human rights defenders and an active civil society play a key role in democratic and economic development, helping build political stability.

In this regard, it is essential that human rights defenders and civil society are free to operate in a favourable environment and that all the guarantees stipulated in the Egyptian Constitution regarding freedom of expression and association are fully implemented and upheld.