Rights Group Alarmed By Egypt's 'Unprecedented Crackdown' On Freedom Of Expression

International human rights group on Thursday slammed the Egyptian authorities for their "unprecedented crackdown" on freedom of expression, calling the country an "open-air prison."

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th September, 2018) International human rights group on Thursday slammed the Egyptian authorities for their "unprecedented crackdown" on freedom of expression, calling the country an "open-air prison."

"The crackdown on freedom of expression under Egyptian President Abdelfattah al-Sisi has reached alarming new levels unparalleled in Egypt's recent history," the Amnesty International said in a press release, announcing the launch of campaign titled "Egypt, an Open-Air Prison for Critics."

The human rights watchdog stated that it had registered cases of at least 111 persons who had been detained by Egypt's security forces "solely for criticizing the President and the human rights situation in Egypt."

"Hundreds of Egyptian political activists, journalists, human rights defenders, members of the opposition, artists and football fans are currently in jail for daring to speak up.

The reasons for their arrests range from social media activity to having a history of activism," the rights group stressed.

It also mentioned Egypt's cybercrime legislation passed in August which "enables mass censorship of independent news platforms and pages belonging to human rights groups."

"Despite these unprecedented challenges to freedom of expression, and despite the fear which has become a part of daily life, many Egyptians continue to peacefully challenge these restrictions, risking their freedom in the process," Najia Bounaim, Amnesty International's North Africa campaigns director, said as quoted in the press release.

Sisi has been in office since 2014.