/ / EGYPT: PROMINENT ACTIVIST SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT

EGYPT: PROMINENT ACTIVIST SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT

UA: Second 37.26

Only 33 days left to join us and support this case!

On June 3, 2026, the New Cairo Misdemeanor Court sentenced prominent activist and writer Ahmed Douma to one year in prison with labor on charges of spreading “false news”. These charges stem from his article, published on March 25, 2026, by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, about the impact of unjust imprisonment on state stability, as well as from a social media post published on March 29, 2026, concerning detention conditions in Egypt. His appeal in front of New Cairo Misdemeanors Appeal Court is scheduled for June 25, 2026.

Ahmed Douma must be immediately and unconditionally released as he is arbitrarily detained solely for exercising his rights to freedom of expression.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: August 17, 2026

Here is how you can take action:

Send a letter to the Egyptian authorities
Send an email to the Egyptian authorities
Post on social media

Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).

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Step 1

READ THE FULL URGENT ACTION

Enter your email address and zip code to get the sample letter to send to government officials.

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You can now write a letter in your own words or download the sample below as a guide.

Remember to send your letter by August 17, 2026.

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Sample Letter

Your Excellency,

I am concerned about the arbitrary detention and unfair trial of writer and prominent activist, Ahmed Douma. On June 3, 2026, the New Cairo Misdemeanor Court sentenced him to one year in prison with labor. These charges stem from his social media posts and an article he wrote about unjust imprisonment and cruel detention conditions. The conviction followed an unfair trial in which the defense was not permitted to call or question witnesses in support of his defense and faced delays in accessing his case file. Ahmed Douma was not brought before the court despite having been transferred to the courthouse on the day the verdict was issued.

During a prison visit on June 7, 2026, Ahmed Douma informed his family that he had experienced heart related health issues. According to his family, 10th of Ramadan prison authorities transferred him to the prison’s medical clinic, where he underwent medical examinations on two occasions. The family is seeking to obtain his medical record to share with independent medical specialists. Ahmed Douma’s family raised concerns about him being continuously exposed to intense light in his cell. The family also criticized the restriction limiting Ahmed Douma to one family visit per month – an exceptional measure introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic that remains in force.

I urge you to ensure that Ahmed Douma is immediately and unconditionally released and that all charges against him are dropped, as he is arbitrarily detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights. Pending his release, ensure he has regular access to his family and lawyers, and is held in conditions that meet international standards, and receives adequate health care.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Sample Social Post

@AlsisiOfficial must free writer and activist Ahmed Douma, jailed after an unfair trial over peaceful writing and social media posts. He faces health concerns and harsh detention conditions. Drop all charges and ensure family, lawyer & medical access #UrgentActionNetworkAIUSA

Send a Tweet to @AlsisiOfficial

Step 2

Send your message

Mail your letter to the government officials listed below. You can also email, fax, call, or post about them on social media.

Send your letter to:

President Abdelfattah al-Sisi

Office of the President, Al Ittihadia Palace

Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt

Fax: +202 2391 1441

[email protected] @AlsisiOfficial

and

CC: Egyptian Embassy in the United States

Send a copy of your letter to the address below

Ambassador Motaz Zahran

3521 International Court, NW,

Washington DC 20008

[email protected] [email protected]

When writing your letter, don’t forget to be factual, brief, and show respect. See more letter writing tips and emails, or organize and host a letter writing party.

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