Postcard to Maikel Nabil Sanad

Dear Maikel, I recently learned that on 10 April 2011 you were sentenced to three years in prison because you criticized the role of the Egyptian military during and after the revolution. I am deeply concerned about your prison sentence and see it as a violation of your rights of freedoms of opinion and expression human rights that are guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as by the newly approved interim Constitution of Egypt. I have urged the Egyptian government to release you immediately. I wish you strength and power for your future. All the best

• Email contact form

Protest letter to the Egyptian Minister of Defense re Maikel Nabil Sanad

Dear Excellency Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, I have learned that on 10 April 2011 pacifist and conscientious objector Maikel Nabil Sanad was sentenced to three years in prison for 'insulting the military institution' and 'disturbing public security' based on articles he published on his blog. He was sentenced secretly. On the day of the sentencing, his family and friends were told that the trial had been postponed to 12 April 2011 while in fact it was taking place. As a consequence Maikel Nabil Sanad was unrepresented and on his own when he was sentenced without any means even to inform his family. Egypt is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which guarantees the right to a fair trial in article 14, and also guarentess freedom of opinion and expression in Article 19. The newly approved interim constitution of Egypt also guarantees the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press. In his writings Maikel Nabil Sanad made use of his right to freedom of opinion and expression. This includes his right to criticize the role of the military during and after the revolution. The sentencing of Maikel Nabil Sanad to three years in prison is a violation of his human rights - especially his right to freedom of opinion and expression and his right to a fair trial. In addition, Maikel Nabil Sanad was tried in a military court, although he is a civilian. This again is against Egyptian and international law and legal standards. This sentence was ratified on 12 May 2011 and was announced on 22 May 2011. I urge you to immediately release Maikel Nabil Sanad. I urge you to respect human rights. Sincerely

• Email contact form

• Maikel Nabil Sanad