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June 3, 2007 at 9:42 pm |
US: Halt Deportation to Torture in Egypt
01 Jun 2007 18:36:06 GMT
Source: Human Rights Watch
(New York, June 1, 2007) – The United States government should not
override a federal court ruling and deport an Egyptian man based on vague
promises that he will not be tortured on return, Human Rights Watch said
today. Not only does the US State Department’s own Country Report on Egypt
describe torture in detention centers as “common and persistent,” but
Egypt has breached assurances against such abuse in the past. “The
executive branch is snubbing the courts and relying on a no-torture
promise from a known torturer,” said Jennifer Daskal, US program advocacy
director for Human Rights Watch. “This makes no sense.”
In 2004, a federal appellate court ruled that Sameh Khouzam, an Egyptian
man, should not be returned home because it was “more likely than not”
that he would face torture. But the Department of Homeland Security wants
to deport him anyway, relying on promises of humane treatment by the
Egyptian government ? so-called “diplomatic assurances” ? to do so.
This is dangerous because the Egyptian government has broken such promises
in the past, Human Rights Watch said.
In 2001, for example, Sweden ? with the help of the CIA ? returned two
Egyptian asylum seekers, Ahmed Agiza and Mohammed al-Zari, to Cairo based
on promises of humane treatment from the Egyptian authorities. Both men
were subsequently tortured, suffering beatings and the use of electricity
on their bodies, despite visits from Swedish diplomats. Two UN bodies ?
the Committee against Torture (CAT) and the Human Rights Committee ? have
since ruled that Sweden’s actions in the case violated the international
ban on returning people to a risk of torture and that Egypt’s assurances
did not suffice to protect the men against that risk.
In 2003, the United States abducted Abu Omar, an Egyptian cleric, in Milan
and eventually transferred him back to Egypt where he was allegedly
tortured, despite the US’s stated policy of obtaining “diplomatic
assurances” of humane treatment any time it renders someone to a country
with a known record of torture. Twenty-six CIA personnel have been
indicted in Italy for Abu Omar’s abduction and rendition to torture,
undermining US relations with one of its key allies.
“The Egyptian authorities have broken their promises not to torture
suspects in the past,” said Daskal. “With such an appalling track record,
it is cynical for the US to accept them as reliable.”
Background
Sameh Khouzam, a Coptic Christian, fled Egypt in 1998. When he arrived in
the United States, he learned that his visa had been cancelled and he was
immediately placed in immigration detention, based on the Egyptian
authorities’ claim that he was wanted in Egypt on a murder charge. To
date, the Egyptian authorities have not produced any evidence to support
that charge.
Although Khouzam’s asylum application was denied, a US federal appellate
court ruled that it was “more likely than not” that he would be at risk of
torture if returned to Egypt, and should not be removed. But the US
government claimed that it was seeking a no-torture promise from the
Egyptian authorities and kept Khouzam in detention pending the receipt of
such a guarantee.
In February 2006, after spending nearly eight years in immigration
detention, a federal court granted Khouzam’s petition for habeas corpus
and he was released on the condition that he would periodically report his
whereabouts to immigration authorities. When he went to report on May 29,
2007, he was taken into custody again and told that the Department of
Homeland Security had lifted his court-ordered deferral of removal, and
that he could be returned to Egypt within days.
In a letter to Khouzam, the Department of Homeland Security said it had
“sufficiently reliable” diplomatic assurances from the Egyptian government
that Khouzam would not be tortured upon return. The letter indicates that
the State Department secured the assurances in January 2007 and, as a
result, Khouzam could be returned to Egypt as early as June 1.
Neither Khouzam nor his lawyers were informed that Khouzam’s stay of
removal was terminated, nor have they been allowed to review the content
of Egypt’s diplomatic assurances of no torture. The US government has
argued that diplomatic assurances against torture are confidential and
that revealing their content or the process undertaken to determine their
reliability would undermine the ability of the executive branch to conduct
foreign relations.
On May 31, a federal court granted a one-week stay of removal. Khouzam’s
lawyers have also filed a habeas corpus petition on his behalf.
To view a Human Rights Watch Q&A on “Diplomatic Assurances” against
torture, please visit: http://www.hrw.org/backgrounder/eca/ecaqna1106/
June 5, 2007 at 12:39 am |
Sameh Khouzam is a political refugee and should be protected
from being returned to Egypt.
Americans are against torture in Egypt and under U.S. auspices in
any other country.
June 5, 2007 at 5:52 pm |
Americans should be against torture in any event. We must definitely save this man from deportation to Egypt where he will be in jeopardy.
June 6, 2007 at 1:43 am |
Sameh is my friend. I am praying for him and want to do everything I can to prevent this travesty. Our parish priest has asked that everything sent be run through him. And so I will ask him about emails and calls to the persons you suggest. Bill Gall
June 6, 2007 at 6:19 pm |
Outrageous.
Returning this man to Egypt where he faces imminent mortal danger (His safety is based on the vague promises of some diplomat? How reassuring) is appalling.
Nobody can make his homeland safe, but he should be able to have sanctuary here.
Safety from religious persecution is one of the things that America was founded on, and one of the things I’m proudest of. As a follower of a minority faith, I feel very strongly about freedom of relegion.
The possibility that he could be deported is shameful, and the burocracy that produced this is appalling.
Bright blessings on you – you are in my prayers.
June 6, 2007 at 7:36 pm |
THIS IS VERY PAINFUL!
SAMEH IS A GOOD MAN THAT HAS EXPERINCE MANY HORRIBLE THINGS IN THE HANDS OF HIS COUNTRY AND OURS. NOW THAT EVERYTHING FOR HIM WAS GOING WELL AND HE WAS FINALLY BUILDING A NEW LIFE SOMEONE HAS THE BRILLIANT IDEA OF SENDING HIM BACK TO BE TORUTRED AND KILLED. THAT IS WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN, BECUASE OF THE RELIGIOUS BELIEFS. ARE WE NOT IN THE 21 CENTURY? WE NEED TO SAVE HIS LIFE, HIS MOM’S AND THE LIVES OF ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING HIM, GOING OUT TO DANCE WITH HIM, EAT ICE CREAM OR ITALIAN ICES WITH HIM. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE HOLE IN OUR HEARTS IF THIS HAPPENS. PERSONALLY, IS DEVASTATING TO SEE HOW THIS LAND OF FREEDOM IS KEEPING A GOOD MAN FROM HIS RIGHT TO BE FREE.
June 6, 2007 at 9:47 pm |
This is just one example of a flawed US policy when it comes to Egypt….for years, human rights groups and individuals have been telling the US gov’t that the Egyptian gov’t should not be trusted, yet for some reason Egypt is still America’s friend in the Middle East and we give them over $1 billion in aid every year. I am so frustrated that American taxpayer dollars are funding torture in Egypt!!!! It is time for the Bush administration to wake up and protect those who need protecting.
June 6, 2007 at 10:29 pm |
This is appalling! For the government to accept vague diplomatic assurance that Sameh will not be tortured when he is returned to Egypt is unbelievable. We all need to pray uncessingly that Sameh will be granted asylum and be allowed to remain in the US, safe from religious persecution and torture.
June 7, 2007 at 10:38 pm |
Amazing how our republican national government waited until Sameh’s final hours to arrest, detain and deport him. If he was notified back in January when our government was, this could have all been avoided. Makes you wonder how much of Sameh’s paid taxes went towards foriegn aid to Egypt. I know which party in 2008 I’m voting for! Send our troops home and let Sameh stay!
God bless you and your friends and family.
June 7, 2007 at 10:53 pm |
Sameh is our friend. We have visited his church, attended Greek festival with him, he has helped move our daughter when she moved from Lancaster County to Berks County, etc. Sameh is
wonderful Christian, gentle, and caring. Pray that God will change
hearts and minds and the bureaucracy. This is unjust and plain wrong.
June 8, 2007 at 1:54 am |
As Iam egyptian attorney and special legal consultant DC bar addition human right activites I am read and study sameeh case all papers which sent from egyptian government to usa indiate that sameeh is innocent man . but the systm in egypt not fair .the suitation now that the egyptian administration want make victory on americian administrationin this case . the egyptian plan say beautiful words to usa and usa belive that is true . isaid this is false words. tortue in egypt is phenomenon .and no right judgement some jugs in egypt called political juges because their descions are to satisfy the administration to take political position in the administration. in sameeh case isee political and religion views .if america deceive by egypt in sameeh case so sameeh lost his life and egyptian administration take victory in this case.
June 9, 2007 at 2:25 am |
I want sameeh to know I am praying for him. I live in Lebanon, Pa and I broke down when I read about his story. Is there any way christians can rally together in York? Harrisburg? Lebanon? We need to have a rally for SAMEEH and come together some how and stand up for this man. He is our brother in Christ and we cannot stand back and do nothing. Anyone up for a rally?
June 9, 2007 at 5:09 am |
to Mr Bush and whom it may concern ,please have mercy on this man and do not send him back to Egypt.Save this man from egyptian police torture against christicians as they called them infidiles.
June 10, 2007 at 5:19 am |
GOD WITH YOU AND SAVE YOU>
June 10, 2007 at 2:48 pm |
please keep sameh in usa , americans don’t know how christians are torured in egypt , god please save his life and make him stay here
June 10, 2007 at 6:03 pm |
Does the US not know that it is being LIED to again?Egypt is lying and can hardly wait to get their hands on Sameh.Torture..no ? But you can be sure of Murder.Its time that people of the world stand up for what is right and stop listening to governments soft peddle backwards. What ever happened to justice? Someday you yourself could need the help of the people. Lets get justice in play NOW so your story will be seen with clear eyes not smoky glasses.
Please do not forget the power of prayer. God bless
June 11, 2007 at 1:57 am |
I dont know sameh but as egyptian christicians I know how it will be if he would be deportation to Egypt and out of my respect I would like to put a word for sameh to stay in the US. please keep sameh her in the U.S.
June 11, 2007 at 6:27 am |
It is well known to everyone that Sameh will be tourtured and may be killed in Egypt. The Egyptian government will not ever keep its promise. Please save Sameh and keep him in US.
June 11, 2007 at 2:16 pm |
to Mr Bush and whom it may concern ,please have mercy on this man and do not send him back to Egypt
It is well known to everyone that Sameh will be tourtured and may be killed in Egypt. The Egyptian government will not ever keep its promise. Please save Sameh and keep him in US.
June 11, 2007 at 3:06 pm |
Please let Sameh know we are praying for him and we know he will be free. God is willing. God bless you Sameh
June 11, 2007 at 3:27 pm |
Sameh must stay in the US, we all know what is going to happe if he dported to Egypt. Please keep him in the states, Dont’t worry Sameh our God is alive and he is a God of alive people not dead. he will never leave you . May he bless you and keep you away form all devils such as the Egyptian government.
June 11, 2007 at 6:57 pm |
Please do not send Sameh back to Egypt. He does nothing to deserve the torture that awaits him in this place of christian torture. Save him I beg you.
June 12, 2007 at 8:14 pm |
Please keep him away from Egypt
June 12, 2007 at 9:59 pm |
Please do not send Sameh back to Egypt all church pray for him.
June 12, 2007 at 10:03 pm |
Please do not send Sameh back to Egypt i pray for him he should stay in Pennsylvania .
June 13, 2007 at 5:06 am |
I am really really sad about this decision. We all are aware that Sameh came to America because he was persecuted in Egypt, he came here asking for protection. So he is supposed to be protected from the American government not to be punished by seding him back to torture. He wants to stay in America not in Egypt, because in America no one can bother or persecute him for being Christian. He did nothing wrong and he dose not deserve to be the victim for being loyal to America. I am begging the Judge, the american government, the american people not to send him back. You know that you are executing him if you take a decision like that. We trust God and his son Jesus Christ and we also trust the American justice, that is why we are here.
June 13, 2007 at 11:37 am |
The United States government should not
override a federal court ruling and deport an Egyptian man based on vague
promises that he will not be tortured on return, Human Rights
This is dangerous because the Egyptian government has broken such promises
in the past,
Talaat Sydney Australia
June 14, 2007 at 1:50 am |
please save sameh
June 15, 2007 at 6:33 pm |
Returing Sameh Khouzam back to Egypt is dangerous on his life plesae save Sameh’s life
June 15, 2007 at 6:34 pm |
pLease save Sameh’s life by not returning him back to Egypt
June 16, 2007 at 1:18 am |
USA send him to his death, there is no justice on Egypt espacialy with the christians
God be with him and all his family
June 16, 2007 at 6:32 pm |
I’ll be praying for Sameh. I pray that justice will be done and that he will not be returned to a place that does not respect human rights.
June 20, 2007 at 4:34 pm |
A word to Sameh, be strong my brother, God sometime allow for us to go through hardship but he never abandon us nor would he hand us over to death. Have faith that God is indeed with you and he will give you more blessings for everything that you went and still is going through.
As for the USA administration, do you think people would believe that you’re gullible enough to take the word or as you call it “assurance” of the Egyptian government not to murder Sameh swiftly after you hand him over to them? No way, there must be some political deal being in the works here… if you still believe in God and if there is any hope that the USA will remain the land of the free, spare this man’s life, keep him in the US or at least give him to us in Canada and we’ll protect him.
July 3, 2007 at 9:25 pm |
I know Sameh through a friend and I don’t care who you are or where you are from ….no one should be tortured! I pray for you, Sameh, as a fellow Christian, brother in Christ. As mentioned above, God will never leave you for forsake you! I pray for God to give you the strength to endore this hardship, that you can be God’s tool to bring others to Christ.
Sameh, never forget who you are and never let them break your spirit!
GOD WILL PREVAIL!
July 18, 2007 at 6:10 pm |
Sameh….One can only pray that your health holds up to this injustice. You amaze me with your power of belief . Please do not give up. Maintain and keep control of your mind.May God send His Angels to surround you and keep you sane. May God open the bars as He did for Daniel in the lions den. The people care and love you.
August 3, 2007 at 12:38 am |
Sameh is my long time friend, and is one of the kindest, nicest and most loyal people I have ever known. I want Sameh to know that I pray for his quick release. I want to add that it´s a shame what the United States Government spends money on: to detain no matter what a person who is neither a danger to the public safety nor a flight risk, which Sameh proved when he was out of detention in 2006-2007. It just makes me think, and I´m sure not only me: aren´t there better things to do to ensure the integrity and safety of the country´s borders? Imagine for the moment this: Sameh has done nothing wrong, bad or illegal in his life, but he already spent more than 8 years in COUNTY DETENTION FACILITIES!!!!!! Criminals spend less time in prisons for serious crimes… Talking about JUSTICE… Sameh, I know that the JUSTICE will prevail, and you are going to be released, and I´ll see you very soon. I thank you everybody for concideration, everybody who has a power to make the right decision.
August 28, 2007 at 11:44 pm |
Sameh’s time is running out……….. Please pray for his release or at least his right to a fair trial in the States with a judge and jury. May justice prevail and the truth come out.
October 1, 2007 at 1:16 am |
we are very saddened by the circumstances that a good man like sameh is now suffering. we are praying for justice and want to know the up to date status of his case. if anyone knows the updated information regarding sameh…please send replies to us…until then we will keep him in prayer.