Egypt has ordered the deportation of three Syrians arrested during celebrations in Cairo following the reported fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights has expressed concern over restrictive security measures and the safety of returning refugees, citing the risks associated with deportation to Syria. Six detainees with residency permits were released; however, those holding temporary asylum seeker cards remain detained amid fears for their safety.

Egypt has initiated the deportation process for three Syrians detained following public celebrations in Cairo concerning the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) reported that the security forces arrested nearly 30 Syrian individuals in the city of Sixth of October during spontaneous gatherings celebrating the demise of the Assad regime, which had lasted over five decades.

These detentions occurred on December 8 and 9, shortly after reports emerged that Syrian rebels had gained control of Damascus, prompting jubilant public displays among the Syrian community.

The EIPR noted that three of these detained individuals are still in police custody and are now facing deportation proceedings. While six detainees who possessed residency permits were released, others with temporary asylum seeker cards remain in detention. On December 11, further developments indicated that those with temporary cards were transferred to immigration authorities before being returned to the police, intensifying fears of possible deportation.

EIPR condemned the severe security measures implemented by the Egyptian authorities, which they argue restrict individuals from publicly expressing their opinions and celebrating significant events. The group has called for the immediate release of the detained Syrians and cautions against their deportation, emphasizing the dangerous conditions that await returnees in Syria, as articulated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The rights organization urgently urged the Public Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement to comply with international treaties regarding the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. These treaties explicitly prevent the forced return of individuals to their countries of origin where their lives may be endangered. Notably, Syrians make up a significant portion of the refugee population in Egypt, with approximately 136,700 registered with the UNHCR as of December 2021.

The recent actions by Egyptian authorities concerning the deportation of Syrians stem from their involvement in protests celebrating the reported departure of President Bashar al-Assad, who has been in power for over fifty years. Conditions in Syria continue to pose significant risks for returning refugees, prompting international organizations such as the UNHCR to classify the country as unsafe for repatriation. Understanding the context of Syrian asylum in Egypt, where a sizable population of Syrian refugees resides, is critical to grasping the current events surrounding these detentions and the push for deportation.

In summary, the Egyptian government’s order for the deportation of three Syrians highlights ongoing tensions regarding refugee rights and freedom of expression within the country. The EIPR has vocally criticized these actions, urging for the respect of international laws protecting refugees while reiterating the dangers that await deported individuals in Syria. The situation underscores the delicate balance between national security and human rights in the region, particularly concerning vulnerable populations such as refugees.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net

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