Issued: 03 June 2015
The Media Review Network (MRN) remains deeply concerned by the lack of urgency displayed by the South African government and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). This regarding the detention of a South African citizen, travelling on a South African passport, Dr Abdus Salaam Jad Bassiouni, in Cairo, Egypt.
The MRN draws the attention of the African Union (AU) at its 25th Summit to this vexing and untenable situation. We expect the AU to pursue the illegitimate Egyptian regime, purely on humanitarian grounds, and explore all avenues that would ensure the speedy and safe release of Dr Bassiouni. The AU secretariat is informed of Dr Bassiouni’s ill health which requires medical attention on a daily basis as well as a serious back injury sustained during imprisonment.
Six months ago, Dr Bassiouni was unlawfully imprisoned in the dungeon known as Torah Prison by the Egyptian government whilst on his way to attend his daughter’s engagement. Dr Bassiouni remains incarcerated with no charge laid against him nor any due process being followed. Furthermore, he is in need of critical medical attention.
The family of Dr Bassiouni have exhausted numerous avenues in attaining government help with this horrendous issue, but it has been a fruitless venture thus far.
In the case of the South African, Pierre Korkie, who was abducted in Yemen, the South African government left no stone unturned in its attempt to secure his release, and rightly so. There was no lack of political will on the part of our government to secure his release. However, in the case of Dr Bassiouni, our government has not shown the same degree of commitment and willingness to obtain Dr Bassiouni’s release.
We call on all citizens of South Africa to join us to move this campaign beyond its current impasse. We demand answers and we insist on immediate firm action. A protest has been organised to petition that the South African government, DIRCO and the AU, under the leadership of our own Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, urgently secure the safe release of Dr Bassiouni.
Protest Action Details:
Date: Friday, 12 June 2015
Time: 12H30 – 15H30
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre
Outside the African Union Conference
Corner Grayston & West Streets
Jummah Salaah will be performed at the protest site – Bring your own Musallahs.
Ladies will be accommodated and details regarding buses will be announced.
Issued by:
Zaakir Ahmed Mayet
Chairman: Media Review Network
Cell: 084 786 4003
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