Syrian Activist Laith Al-Zoubi Arrested in Egypt Over Revolutionary Flag Incident
Watan – The Egyptian authorities recently arrested Syrian activist and media figure Laith Faris Al-Zoubi, originally from Daraa, after raiding his apartment in Hurghada. Since his detention, Al-Zoubi has been denied contact with his family, raising concerns about his well-being and legal status. His lawyer has indicated that the arrest might stem from his status as a refugee in Egypt, with fears of fabricated charges being brought against him.
Incident with the Syrian Consul
The arrest follows an incident on December 22, when Al-Zoubi appeared in a viral video confronting the Syrian consul in Cairo, Bashar Al-Assad. In the video, Al-Zoubi demanded the removal of the Syrian regime’s flag and the raising of the revolutionary flag instead. The consul rejected the request, citing Arab League protocols as justification for maintaining the status quo.
Activists Call for Al-Zoubi’s Release
Syrian activists have called for the immediate release of Laith Al-Zoubi, urging Egyptian authorities to uphold the rights of refugees and residents under international law. The Horan Free Gathering, a media and human rights organization, emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of expression and shielding activists from persecution for their political views.
Restrictive Policies on Syrians in Egypt
In a broader context, Egypt has tightened its policies toward Syrians traveling to the country. Recent directives have barred Syrians from boarding flights to Egypt unless they hold non-tourist residency permits. This restriction extends to Syrians with European, American, or Canadian residence permits, requiring prior security clearance for entry.
These measures mark a significant shift in Egypt’s approach to Syrian nationals, further limiting access for those holding Schengen visas or Syrians married to Egyptian nationals without security approvals.
Egypt’s Syrian Refugee Population
Since the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Egypt has hosted a substantial Syrian refugee community. The Egyptian government estimates the number to exceed one million, although the UNHCR reports that 157,733 Syrians are officially registered as refugees. The discrepancy arises from the distinction between asylum seekers and migrants with legal residency in Egypt.
Concerns Over Human Rights and Refugee Protections
Human rights organizations and Syrian advocacy groups are alarmed by Al-Zoubi’s arrest and the increasingly restrictive policies on Syrian nationals. They argue that these actions contradict Egypt’s obligations under international agreements, which guarantee the rights of refugees and safeguard their freedoms.
Call to Action
The case of Laith Al-Zoubi underscores the challenges faced by Syrian refugees and activists in Egypt. Advocates continue to call for transparency, adherence to international norms, and the protection of individuals fleeing persecution and oppression.
