Egyptian cartoonist and activist Ashraf Omar has spent over 100 days in pre-trial detention under dubious terrorism charges. Arrested on 22 July, Omar’s satirical cartoons criticising government policy failures—such as Egypt’s debt crisis and power blackouts—are widely believed to be the reason for his imprisonment. Reports suggest he was beaten during his arrest and threatened with electrocution, and his detention has been repeatedly extended, most recently on 10 November via video conference, without evidence or due process.

Freemuse, on 30 October, along with 15 other human rights and cartoonist organisations, joined calls for Omar’s immediate release, emphasising his right to freedom of expression. Omar’s case highlights systemic abuses, including mistreatment in custody, restricted family contact, and the misuse of pre-trial detention to silence dissent. Critics argue that Egypt’s actions send a chilling message to all artists and critics. Global organisations urge an end to his unjust detention, dismissal of baseless charges, and his safe return to family. 

 

Read the petition here: cartoonistsrights.org/ashraf-omar-100-days.