writer Mosaad Abu-Fajr detained

Egypt: Writer and activist detained
Published: January 22, 2009 http://www.englishpen.org/writersinprison/bulletins/egyptwriterandactivistdetained/

English PEN is seriously concerned about the imprisonment without charge or trial for over a year of novelist, blogger and activist Mosaad Suleiman Hassan (pen-name: Mosaad Abu-Fajr), who has been held since 26 December 2007 for his peaceful political activism.

According to our information, novelist and Internet writer Mosaad Abu-Fajr has been detained without charge since 26 December 2007 for his peaceful activism in support of the Bedouins of the Sinai Peninsula, his own native people, who are said to be ill-treated by the Egyptian authorities in Northern Sinai. The area borders the Gaza Strip, where the political climate is extremely volatile, and the risk of terrorist attack is high. Mosaad Abu-Fajr was previously briefly detained in September 2007.

Mosaad Abu-Fajr has reportedly published one novel, Talit el-Badan, the name of a mountain in Sinai province. He is also the editor of the web site Wedna N'ish' (We Want To Live), which he founded as a mouth-piece for Sinai Bedouins. He is said to remain detained without charge or trial in spite of repeated court rulings ordering his release. In November 2008 it was reported that his health had sharply deteriorated as a result of a hunger strike, and in early December 2008 he is said to have been moved from Borg Al Arab Prison, possibly in preparation for his release. His whereabouts are currently unknown and concerns for his well-being are mounting.

English PEN fears that Mosaad Abu-Fajr is held solely for the expression of his opinions and calls for his immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Egypt is a signatory. We are seeking details of his whereabouts and assurances about his well-being as a matter of urgency.

Please send appeals:
- Expressing serious concern about the detention of novelist and blogger Mosaad Suleiman Hassan (pen-name Mosaad Abu-Fajr), who has been held for over a year without charge or trial, apparently for his non-violent political activism in support of the Bedouins of Northern Sinai, and in violation of repeated court rulings ordering his release;- Seeking information about Mosaad Abu-Fajr's whereabouts and well-being as a matter of urgency, and calling for his immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Egypt is a signatory.

Appeals to:
His Excellency Mohammad Hosni MubarakPresident of the Republic of EgyptHeliopolisEgyptFax: 202 390 1998

Cc. His Excellency Cr Mamdouh Muheiddin MareiMinister of JusticeMagles El Shaab StJustice BldgCairoEgyptFax: 202 7958103

Please also send copies of your appeal letter to the diplomatic representative for Egypt in the UK:

His Excellency Mr Gehad Refaat MadiEmbassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt26 South Street London W1K 1DW