Ahmed Fouad, Karmoz
Medium:Internet
Charge:Retaliatory
Imprisoned:January 25, 2014

Fouad, a reporter for the news website Karmoz, was arrested while covering a demonstration by members of the Muslim Brotherhood in the neighborhood of Sidi Beshr in Alexandria governorate, according to his employer and local press freedom groups. The protest led to violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

Fouad was charged with "joining a group that aims to disrupt the law," "demonstrating without permission," "blocking a road," and "possessing a weapon," according to news reports, and was being tried in an Alexandria criminal court along with nine other defendants. His trial, initially scheduled to begin in December 2014, was postponed at least six times due to the prison authorities' failure to transfer Fouad and the other defendants to court on time, according to reports citing Fouad's lawyer and family. The next hearing was scheduled for January 10, 2016, news reports said.

Karmoz denied the allegations against Fouad and said he was doing journalistic work at the time of his arrest. The website covers local news and politics in Alexandria.

Fouad is also a college student pursuing a bachelor's degree in sciences at the University of Alexandria. He has been able to take exams for each of the three semesters that have passed since his arrest, according to reports. He is being held in Burj al Arab prison in Alexandria.

Disclaimer: © Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.