Government urged to release strikers

Egyptian prosecutors should drop all charges against at least 26 workers who were arrested and charged in recent months in connection with peaceful strikes and protests. That’s the view of Human Rights Watch which called on Parliament to also revise a new trade unions draft law to fully legalise independent unions and amend penal code provisions that criminalise the right to organise and strike. Since May 2016, police have arrested scores of striking workers from various industries. Most were later released, but prosecutors have referred dozens for trial, including some before a military court. ‘Arresting workers for striking is another example of how Egyptian authorities are determined to stifle all space for peaceful mobilisation,’ said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

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