Update on the German University Case

Today's edition of an independent Egyptian newspaper named al-Nabaa al-Watany reported on the most recent developments regarding the case of Basem Wagdy who was fired from the German University in Cairo because he is a Baha'i.

The article is entitled "German Parliament Interferes to Return a Baha'i Physics Teacher to His Position in the German University in Cairo."

Interestingly, the article is subtitled "Even though the curtain had fallen on the Baha'i case internally as a result of the ruling of the Supreme Administrative Court which denied their right to register themselves as Baha'is on IDs, it is clear however that the case did not end according to the external [foreign] standards."

It reports that members of the German Parliament and university professors succeeded in convincing Chancellor Angela Merkel to exert pressure on President Mubarak, during her State visit to Egypt early last week, to guarantee the rights of the Baha'is and find a solution to their dilemma. It also relates that according to its sources university professors, who have acted after receiving information on the case, began a campaign that ultimately grabbed the attention of Member of the Parliament Lale Akgün who brought it to the attention of the Parliament.

Except for a few inaccuracies here and there (likely due interpretation and reporting errors), the article essentially repeats the information posted previously here.

The newspaper also promises more news in the upcoming days on the visit to Egypt of a high level German delegation to discuss the case.

Hopefully, if this information is accurate, Basem Wagdy might finally return to his position at GUC--a small step towards granting the Baha'is in Egypt their full civil rights.

P.S. By the way, the Supreme Administrative Court neither "ended the Baha'i case," nor "the curtain had fallen" as repeatedly stated in Egypt's media. The court was only able to demonstrate its inability to fulfill its responsibilities towards justice...the Baha'i civil rights case is nowhere near over!

Egypt: National Council For Human Rights Launches Site

Egypt's National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) has just launched its new website. This elaborate site is quite comprehensive and contains all of the Council's activities and reports since its inception in 2003.

The site is worth the time needed to browse through its extensive content and it could be viewed in either English or Arabic.

It will also allow a person to post a complaint online (available in the Arabic version only).

This is another step that will help facilitate Egypt's progressive move towards transparency, attention to the human rights of all its citizens and accountability in governance.

Egypt: Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Response To US Report

Al-Mesreyoon (The Egyptians) newspaper published an article on 22 September 2006 entitled: [Ministry of] Foreign Affairs prepares a response to the American report on religious freedom...it includes denial of its accusations that Egypt violates minority rights, and confirms taking "correctional" reforms.

US State Department Report on Religious Freedom can be seen HERE.

The article continues by describing the specific violations that were stated in the US report with reference to the rights of the Baha'is, Christians and Shi'a Muslims.

It added that the government's response will use the April 2006 Administrative Court ruling that granted the Baha'is their rights to indicate their religion on official documents as a proof of Egypt's fair treatment of minorities.

Ironically, the government continues its appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court to reverse the ruling of the Administrative Court! Currently the implementation of the ruling remains suspended as a result of the government's appeal, and the case remains pending before the Supreme Court after being postponed for the third time.

Based on this planned response, one can only conclude that perhaps the government is now considering to withdraw its appeal! Thus its response to the US Report is accompanied with real implementation of its words and with deeds consistent with its response, that is treating the Baha'is as equal citizens and allowing them to obtain ID Cards as provided in the court's decision.