Egypt: Activists arrested after Aswan protest Nov. 7

Event

Egyptian authorities arrested ten members of the southern Egyptian Nubian community on Tuesday, November 7, for protesting in Aswan (capital of Aswan province). According to officials, the accused took part in illegal protests and disrupted public order, including blocking parts of the Cairo-Aswan highway. Those arrested are being held in the Shallal Central Security Force camp and could face up to five years in prison if convicted. Further protests in the area are possible in the coming days, and an increased security presence is likely.

Context

The Nubian activists were protesting the death of a prominent Nubian activist who died in prison on November 5. Along with 24 others, the activist was arrested in September for marching in Aswan to demand the return of Nubian ancestral lands, from which they were evicted in the 1960s to make way for the construction of the Aswan dam.

Advice

Individuals in Egypt are advised to avoid all protests and to monitor the situation.  Due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, individuals throughout Egypt should report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (e.g. public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.). Some governments advise their nationals against all travel to northern Sinai, where the authorities maintain a media blackout and special security zones due to the persistent terrorist threat.