Amnesty International is calling for urgent action and international solidarity with Mahmoud Mohamed Amin, who was arrested during the Abbasseya violence early this month, to demand his immediate and unconditional release.
In a statement on its website, the human rights organization called on all citizens of the world to support its cause and appeal to Egyptian authorities to allow Amin the medical attention he needs for his existing conditions and injuries sustained during his arrest on 4 May. The organization also urged authorities to stop all investigations conducted by the military prosecution with regard to his arrest, and to refer him to a civilian court panel.
Amin lost vision in his right eye after being shot in the face with birdshot in Tahrir Square on 25 January 2011, the statement said. He underwent surgery in April 2012, but his recent arrest prevented a second scheduled operation.
Amin was referred to the military prosecutor along with some 300 protesters who had been detained for 15 days pending investigation on allegations of participating in acts of protest in a military zone, attacking military personnel and buildings, and impeding traffic. On 19 May, their detention was renewed for an additional 15 days.
According to the statement, the prison refused to give Amin a painkiller brought to him by a friend. On 20 May, Amin joined a hunger strike started by some 100 Abbasseya protest detainees to demand their release and an end to military trials for civilians.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
