Egyptian authorities detain 3 activists from Sweida

Media sources from Sweida confirmed today that Egyptian authorities arrested three activists from Sweida residing in Egypt: Hossam Abu Khair, Majid Al-Rishani, and Anad Kamal. The charges reportedly relate to “dealing with foreign entities,” while no official Egyptian statement has been issued so far.

Sources indicated that the detentions have political motivations, especially since the detainees are active in Syrian affairs. Hossam Abu Khair is known for his community activism, having founded a company with Egyptian partners and attempted to establish an association for Druze unification in Egypt to support members of his sect.

Yesterday, Abu Khair posted on his personal page that his attempt to establish the association faced defamation campaigns and threats from some Syrians living in Egypt, who accused him and his colleagues of “collaboration and betrayal.” He stressed that the association is a civil and social initiative aimed at helping needy members of the Druze community.

In his latest post, he noted that the Druze community had suffered massacres in Sweida over the past two months, resulting in thousands of civilian casualties, and considered the gathering of members of the sect abroad a natural step for communication and support.

He also mentioned receiving threats that made him consider leaving Egypt to avoid a possible confrontation with some extremist Syrians residing there.

So far, Egyptian authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the arrests or investigation details, while the families of the detainees are increasingly worried about possible deportation or political trials.

ANHA