On 24 September, Christoph Strässer, Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid, issued the following statement on the amnesty announced in Egypt on 23 September for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha:
The amnesty announced in Egypt on 23 September for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha is a very important step in a positive direction. It will see the release of 100 people who were convicted in Egypt because of their work as journalists, for exercising their right of assembly or for alleged attacks against the security forces. I welcome this gesture and share the happiness of those released that they can celebrate this holiday with their friends and families.
At the same time, many other young people remain imprisoned in Egypt for standing up for human rights, democracy and better living conditions. Activists continue to be arrested and held prisoner without trial. I encourage President al-Sisi and his Government to uphold the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in their entirety and to pursue a path of reconciliation in his country.
