The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) ordered to freeze the bank account of local non-governmental organisation (NGO) El-Nadeem Centre for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence, the NGO said in a Thursday statement.
“We were informed of the CBE’s decision by Crédit Agricole today. We were told the freeze would continue until we settle our legal situation regarding Law no. 84 of 2002,” El-Nadeem said, adding that it will issue another statement after consulting with lawyers.
The NGO Law implemented by the government faced criticism by civil society organisations on grounds that it increases restrictions on NGOs through an expansion of authorities’ control over their finances and activities.
The law came after an unprecedented crackdown on NGOs that started in 2011 and resulted in the closure of most foreign organisations working in Egypt. Civil society workers are facing trials, the freezing of assets, and travel bans for being accused of illegally receiving foreign funds.
El-Nadeem has been facing government pressure and two closure attempts in 2016. The NGO issues monthly reports on human rights violations.
According to its most recent report for October released earlier this month, there were 10 cases of death in detention facilities, 56 cases of torture and ill-treatment, and 28 cases of medical neglect.
