Palestinian activist Ramy Shaath denounces Egypt as ‘a big cell’

 Egyptian-Palestinian activist Ramy Shaath said, “Egypt is a big cell.” His comments came weeks after his release from jail and departure for France. 

After his release from jail, he said that he was determined to keep fighting for the Palestinian despite receiving threats from authorities against his family members. He further said, “Egypt today is a big cell and we were in a much smaller one.” He reportedly spent almost two-and-a-half years in prison. He further added that Egypt is slowly becoming a terror state.

He revealed that he was arrested without any proof. He added, “Just a few words authorities tell you and that is enough to keep you in jail.” He said that the hundreds of people with whom he shared the jail had the same accusation without any proof. He also revealed that his fellow prisoners were mostly civil society activists.

Ramy Shaath after spending two-and-a-half years in prison

Ramy Shaath revealed that one of his friends died in the one-square-meter punishment cell. Prisoners were reportedly placed in solitary confinement if they complained about the condition of the jail. 

He said that authorities threatened him not to open his mouth about jail conditions and legal conditions. He further said, “The Arab Spring began in 2011 but the end of it is not anywhere close.” Subsequently, he hoped for a change in Egypt.

Ramy Shaath

The 50-year-old Ramy Shaath is the son of veteran Palestinian politician Nabil Shaath. Ramy Shaath was a figure of the 2011 uprising in Egypt. He was also the coordinator of the country’s chapter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. 

He was arrested in 2019. He was accused of helping a “terrorist” organization. In April 2020, Shaath was placed on Egypt’s “terror” list with other 12 people. However, in December, five human rights groups called on French President Emmanuel Macron to pressure Egypt to release Shaath.