Egypt Orders Deportation of Syrians Celebrating Assad’s Alleged Fall
Egypt has ordered the deportation of three Syrian detainees after arrests made during street celebrations following the reported fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Approximately 30 Syrians were detained in Cairo, with concerns raised by rights groups over excessive police measures and the safety of those still in custody. Advocacy organizations are calling for their release and adherence to international refugee protections in light of the risks posed by their potential return to Syria.
Egypt has mandated the deportation of three Syrian nationals arrested during spontaneous celebrations in Cairo that marked the reported fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (Eipr) reported that approximately 30 Syrians were detained on December 8 and 9 in the Sixth of October City as security forces disrupted a brief gathering celebrating the end of over 50 years of Assad’s rule. The detentions, which were initiated shortly after Syrian opposition forces claimed control of Damascus, resulted in conflicting reports regarding the legality and status of the detainees. Out of the detained, six with residency permits were released, while others holding temporary asylum status remain in custody, raising concerns about their deportation. Eipr condemned the excessive measures taken by the Egyptian authorities, urging the immediate release of those detained and calling for adherence to international obligations regarding the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. The group emphasized that forced return to Syria would pose significant risks to the detainees due to the country’s unstable situation.
The current situation of Syrians in Egypt is closely linked to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria due to the civil war that began in 2011. Since then, millions of Syrians have sought refuge in neighboring countries, including Egypt. According to UNHCR statistics, there were 136,700 registered Syrian refugees in Egypt as of December 2021, indicating that they form a substantial portion of the refugee population. The recent actions by Egyptian authorities concerning the deportation of Syrians depict the increasing tensions regarding refugee policies in the context of regional instability and responses to expressions of political dissent.
In conclusion, the Egyptian authorities’ decision to deport certain Syrian individuals following their participation in celebrations of political change underscores the delicate balance between state security and human rights. The ongoing situation raises serious ethical and legal questions regarding the treatment of refugees in Egypt and highlights the urgent need for a consistent application of international laws designed to protect vulnerable populations. Advocacy groups stress that the forced return of these individuals could expose them to grave danger in Syria, reiterating the need for safeguarding their rights and safety.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
