Front Line is concerned following reports of a Government decision to shut down the offices of the Association for Human Rights and Legal Aid (AHRLA) in Cairo. The AHRLA provides legal aid to the victims of human rights violations in Egypt.
Further information
On 7 September 2007, the Egyptian Government reportedly issued a decree to shut down the offices of the Association for Human Rights and Legal Aid in Cairo. The order was issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs based on allegations of financial malfeasance, in accordance with Article 17(2) of Law No. 84/2002, which states that Associations may not accept foreign funding without explicit authorization from the Ministry. Acquiring or distributing funds in violation of Article 17 is cause for involuntary dissolution of an association and criminal penalties of up to six months' imprisonment (Articles 42, 76). According to reports from AHRLA, they have always complied with the Ministry's demands by requesting approval for grants received from international donor agencies.
Following the Government’s decision to close down the AHRLA, numerous representatives from civil society organisations in the city gathered outside the offices of the AHRLA in protest. They also issued a press release stating that they would take action if the decree is followed through. The AHRLA has declared that it will appeal the decision before the Administrative court.
Front Line is concerned that this is not an isolated case. In April 2007, three branches of the Centre for Trade Unions and Workers Services (CTUWS) in Mahalla city, Naj- Hamadi city and Helwan were closed by the government. The CTUWS is an independent civil society organisation, which supports the establishment of an independent labour movement and assists vulnerable groups of workers including female workers. CTUWS is a member of the National Civil Society Alliance to Monitor the Elections. On 22 April 2007 a decree was issued to close the headquarters of CTUWS in Helwan. The Centre was reportedly accused of inciting workers to strike and organising demonstrations, which took place in December 2006 and January 2007.
Egypt's Law No.84, which regulates non-governmental organisations was passed in June 2002 by the Shura Council (People's Assembly). The legislation reportedly provides the Executive with a number of political controls over the work of non governmental organisations (NGOs), including restricting their access to foreign funding, restricting their ability to join international associations and wide powers of dissolution. Article 1 of the Law provides for mandatory registration for all groups of at least ten members that form 'for a purpose other than gaining a physical profit'. Reports claim that during registration, NGO's often deal more with the Office of State Security than with the Ministry of Social Affairs. In some cases, the State Security allegedly attempted to convince NGO's to register as associations under the law, so that they could be monitored and controlled. Front Line is concerned that the Government's decision to close the offices of AHRLA is directly related to the organisation's legitimate and peaceful work in defence of human rights in Egypt. Further concern is expressed that it may form part of an ongoing campaign against human rights defenders in the country.