We Demand the Release of #SheikhBassiouni…#FreeBassiouni

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Issued: 09 June 2015

We, the Friends of Bassiouni, are deeply perturbed by the acute lack of action on the part of the South African government and its functionary, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in relation to the case of the South African citizen, Dr Sheikh Abdus Salaam Jad Bassiouni. Dr Bassiouni is currently being detained in the notorious Egyptian political prison, Torah.

Sheikh Bassiouni has been imprisoned for the last 6 months, having been detained by Egyptian authorities in early December 2014, whilst on his way to attend his daughter’s engagement. He has yet to be charged with any crime. No shred of due process has been evidenced by the Egyptian regime in relation to Dr Bassiouni. Typical of all dictatorships in the region and across the globe, families of persons in detention have very little, if at all, access to the detainees. They are also denied access to effective legal representation; thus rendering the victims of unlawful detention and their families, dependent on authorities who have no respect for human rights, human dignity or due process.

The African Union (AU) has an obligation to apply the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights and to respect and honour the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights. To apply it successfully, consistency is incumbent. The Egyptian regime headed by Al Sisi must be reminded that they are signatories to the UN Declaration. Therefore, they should subscribe to this declaration and all other international laws pertaining to human rights. The AU is duty bound to call the Egyptian regime to order and to ensure justice prevails in the case of Dr Bassiouni.

The Friends of Bassiouni call on all heads of state attending the AU Summit to apply pressure on Al Sisi to release an innocent man. Should the Egyptian authorities persist in their failure to officially charge Dr Bassiouni; then all democratically minded people and people who strive for freedom and liberation look forward to the imminent release of this father, husband and humanitarian.

NB: A protest has been organised to urge the AU to secure the immediate and safe release of Sheikh 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.

ENDORSERS OF THE #FreeBassiouni CAMPAIGN:

1. Al Tawheed Islamic Centre

2. Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (Council of Muslim Theologians)

3. United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA)

4. Palestine Solidarity Alliance (PSA)

5. Radio Islam

6. Media Review Network (MRN)

7. National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa

8. Islamic Medical Association (IMA)

9. Boycott Divestment Sanctions (BDS)

10. Association of Muslim Schools SA

11. Channel Islam International (CII)

12. Muslim Judicial Council (MJC)

13. Muslim Students Association Union (MSA Union)

Issued by:

Bilal Bassiouni

Son of Sheikh Bassiouni

Cell: 079 398 7272

And/Or

Zaakir Ahmed Mayet

Chairman: Media Review Network

MRN

The aspiration of the Media Review Network is to dispel the myths and stereotypes about Islam and Muslims and to foster bridges of understanding among the diverse people of our country. The Media Review Network believes that Muslim perspectives on issues impacting on South Africans are a prerequisite to a better appreciation of Islam.