Calls to release prominent opposition leader

Egyptian authorities have imprisoned a prominent political opposition leader, Ahmed Tantawy, after an appeals court upheld a one-year sentence against him and several supporters. Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the court also confirmed the decision to bar Tantawy from running in national elections for five years. In February, Tantawy, along with his campaign adviser, Mohammad Abu al-Dyar, and 21 of his supporters were sentenced to one year in prison in relation to his peaceful campaign to collect public endorsements to run for President. Tantawy and his campaign adviser had been released on a bail of 20 000 Egyptian pounds ($648) during the appeal. ‘Punishing Tantawy and his supporters for challenging President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reveals once again the authorities' zero tolerance toward peaceful activism,’ said Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at HRW. ‘Egyptian authorities at the highest levels should immediately review the case against Tantawy and release him and his supporters.’