From VOA – ENGLISH

Egypt’s state security prosecutoron Saturday ordered a prominent activist detained for 15 daysfor investigation on charges of involvement with a banned groupand inciting and taking part in illegal protests, rights lawyers
said.

Haitham Mohamedeen, a leftist lawyer, was taken from his home Friday, security sources said, the latest in a number of arrests of activists in recent weeks.

At least 20 people have been detained by security forcesover protests against a rise in metro fares, and they are beinginvestigated on charges that include disturbing the peace andobstructing public facilities.

Mokhtar Mounir and Mohamed Hanafi, two rights lawyersrepresenting Mohamedeen, told Reuters he was under investigationfor “participating in the activities of a banned group whileknowing its objectives” and “using the internet to inciteterrorist acts,” charges he denies. The prosecutor did not
identify the banned group, Hanafi said.

A judicial source confirmed Mohamadeen’s detention but gaveno further comment.

Mohamedeen had been detained at least twice in the past,once in 2013 on accusations of belonging to a secretorganization and spreading lies about the military, and again in2016 for calling for protests against the transfer of two RedSea islands to Saudi Arabia.

His detention followed those of other prominent activists.

State security prosecutors this week ordered Shady GhazalyHarb, a leading opposition figure during the 2011 Arab Springuprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak, held for 15 daysfor investigation over accusations including joining a terroristorganization, according to state news agency MENA.

Last week, authorities detained Amal Fathy for 15 days forinvestigation on charges of insulting the state after she posteda video on social media criticizing the government for failingto protect women against sexual harassment.

Campaigners say Egypt’s human and civil rights record hasdeteriorated sharply under President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.

Sissi’s supporters say his tough security policy is needed toensure stability as Egypt recovers from years of political chaosand tackles economic challenges and an Islamist insurgency.

Sissi this week pardoned more than 330 people, many of themyoung people jailed for demonstrating in recent years.