On 27 March 2020, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa (the Special Rapporteur), Commissioner Lawrence Mute, transmitted a Letter of Appeal to H.E. the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, in response to reports received regarding the arrest and prolonged pre-trial detention of Mr. Mohamed al-Yammani, a freelance journalistworking in Egypt,who has been in detention since 08 December 2019.
The Special Rapporteur requested clarification from the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt concerning the allegations received, which if true would be in violation of Articles 1, 6, 9 and 25 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The Special Rapporteur will remain actively seized of this matter.
Banjul, 27 March 2020
