Gay Today: World

HRC Calls on Egypt to Release
52 Arrested in Cairo Disco

Compiled by GayToday

Washington, D.C.--The Human Rights Campaign endorsed a call to action Thursday that was issued by an LGBT Muslim group, Al-Fatiha, protesting the arrest and detainment of 52 men in Cairo, Egypt. The arrests at a gay nightclub are a gross infringement of privacy and violate international standards ensuring basic human rights, says HRC.

"We call on the Egyptian government to immediately drop all charges against these innocent men who are being persecuted for allegedly being gay," said HRC National Field Director, Seth Kilbourn. "The fight for basic human rights transcends borders and we are proud to stand with our coalition partners in this effort"

On the day the trial is to begin, August 15, Al-Fatiha is calling for a day of protest to urge the Egyptian government to release the prisoners. The action calls for contacting Egyptian embassies and consulates around the world until the men are unconditionally released. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people around the world will also hold demonstrations and rallies in front of Egyptian embassies and consulates.

"All Muslims are called upon to take a stand against injustice," said Faisal Alam, founder and director, Al-Fathia.

"Islam is a religion of peace and social justice. Islam is not homophobic and homophobia is not Islamic."

On May 11, the men were arrested after police raided a nightclub frequented by gay men. The following day, they were brought before the public prosecution where they were issued with a detention order and transferred to Tora Prison where they continue to be held. Reports indicate that the men have been tortured by police and have undergone physical examinations to determine whether they were sexually active with other men.

Related Sites:
Al-Fatiha

Human Rights Campaign

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Al-Fatiha, LGBT Muslims and Friends, is an international organization dedicated to Muslims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, those questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity, and their friends.

Many other LGBT and allied organizations have endorsed their call to action including the Human Rights Campaign, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International, the Lesbian & Gay Immigration Rights Task Force and Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays and the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches.