Sherif Osman Finally Released

Sherif Osman, a vocal supporter of protests against Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, was released yesterday from UAE jails after several weeks of detention.

Rights sources affirmed that Sherif Osman has to remain in the UAE until the case is concluded.

Osman was detained at a restaurant in Dubai in November. He had travelled there with his fiancee to visit his sister, a UAE resident, and his mother who was visiting from Egypt.

More than 20 groups, including ICFUAE, have signed a petition calling for Osman's release, saying they are concerned the UAE is planning to deport Osman to Egypt. The groups fear he could face further imprisonment and torture if this happens.

"We, the undersigned organisations, urge the authorities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) not to deport Sherif Osman to Egypt, where he would be at high risk of being subjected to torture and other human rights violations," the petition said, which was posted on Wednesday by ALQST for Human Rights on its website.

"We further urge the UAE to release Osman immediately.