Egyptian Court Overturns 'Terrorist' Designations for 1,500 Individuals
In a landmark decision on May 18, Egypt's highest court, the Court of Cassation, delivered a resounding verdict that nullified the designation of 1,500 individuals as 'terrorists'. Among those cleared of this controversial label was the esteemed Egyptian footballer, Mohamed Abou Treika, whose exceptional career spanned both domestic and international triumphs.
The ruling stems from the Court of Cassation's acceptance of appeals filed by lawyers representing the defendants against a previous criminal court order that had extended the 'terrorist' designation for the group for an additional five years, as requested by prosecutors in April 2023. This extension had been granted under the contentious 'Law Regulating Terrorist Organizations and Terrorists Lists,' legislation that has faced widespread criticism for its broad definition of terrorism and lack of due process.
According to the provisions of this law, individuals listed as 'terrorists' are subjected to severe consequences, including asset freezes and travel restrictions, without the necessity of a criminal conviction or the opportunity to challenge the evidence against them.
The Court of Cassation's decision effectively overturns the criminal court's orders and remands the cases to a new criminal court circuit for further review. If the new circuit rules in favor of the defendants, their names will be expunged from the 'terrorist' list, marking a significant victory for those who have been unjustly branded under this controversial legislation.
Mohamed Abou Treika, a retired professional footballer and a household name in Egypt, found himself among the 1,500 individuals designated as a 'terrorist' in 2017. His illustrious career saw him lead the Egyptian national team to African Cup of Nations victories in 2006 and 2008, while also contributing to numerous domestic and continental triumphs with his club, Al Ahly. Since 2014, Abou Treika has been working as a sports analyst for BeInSports in Qatar.
The Court of Cassation's ruling has been hailed as a triumph for the rule of law and the protection of individual rights, even in cases involving national security concerns. It underscores the importance of upholding due process and ensuring that individuals are not arbitrarily labeled or subjected to severe consequences without adequate legal safeguards.
As the legal battle continues in the new criminal court circuit, the outcome will be closely watched, with the potential for the names of the defendants to be cleared from the controversial 'terrorist' list, restoring their rights and reputation in the eyes of the law.