Freemuse joins the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk in calling on film workers, rights organisations, institutions, and individuals worldwide to support Egyptian filmmaker and screenwriter Omar Salah Marei, who has been held in pretrial detention since 11 May 2026.
More than 100 film workers and institutions have already signed the petition, including Emma Thompson, Laura Poitras, Aki Kaurismäki, Mia Hansen-Løve, the Dardenne brothers, Agnieszka Holland, Mohammad Rasoulof, Alex Gibney, and Alberto Barbera, Director of the Venice Film Festival.
Omar was taken from his home in Cairo by plainclothes security officers without a warrant. His laptops, phones, and scripts were seized. He was held incommunicado for six days before appearing before Egypt’s Supreme State Security Prosecution. His detention has since been extended, and he remains denied regular access to his lawyer and family.
The charge against him, “deliberately spreading false news”, is based on his social media commentary and appears to be an attempt to silence free expression.
Omar urgently needs medical care. He has a thyroid disorder requiring daily medication and is recovering from major wrist surgery. There is no clear indication that he is receiving proper treatment.
We call on the Egyptian authorities to immediately release Omar Salah Marei, drop all charges against him, and ensure he receives urgent medical care and humane treatment.
