AFTE's appeal against Cairo University detainees refused

Egyptian students who support the Muslim Brotherhood and ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi clash with riot police following a demonstration outside Cairo University on March 26, 2014. The demonstration was organised to protest against a court ruling that sentenced to death 529 Islamists for the murder and attempted murder of several policemen during riots in the southern city of Minya on August 14. (AFP PHOTO / KHALED DESOUKI) — Egyptian students who support the Muslim Brotherhood and ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi clash with riot police following a demonstration outside Cairo University on March 2014.
(AFP PHOTO / KHALED DESOUKI)

Giza Criminal Court refused the appeal filed by Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression’ss lawyer Mahmoud Othman against renewing the detention of 42 Cairo university studentst for 45 more days.

AFTE lawyers had called for their release based on the criminal proceedings law, which states detention cannot continue if 48 hours pass without an appeal hearing.

The 42 defendants were arrested on 16 January, of which 31 were arrested on campus and 11 were arrested outside.

The students face charges of joining a “terrorist organisation”, destroying public property, willful murder, attempted murder, possession of firearms, and ammunition and melee weapons. The students also face charges of showing force and violating the Protest Law by protesting without a permit from the Ministry of Interior.

On the day of their arrest, Central Security Forces (CSF) had stormed Cairo University after clashes had erupted with protesting students belonging to the Students Against the Coup (SAC) movement.

AFTE is an independent human rights association established in 2006 and run by activists and professionals.