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Egypt travel advisory needed for ‘police state’ says former British ambassador

Cairo. Leading figures are urging the UK government to update its travel advice for Egypt
Cairo. Leading figures are urging the UK government to update its travel advice for Egypt (Getty/iStock)
  • Leading figures, including former ambassador to Egypt John Casson, are urging the UK government to update its travel advice for Egypt due to the continued detention of British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah.
  • A letter to The Times, signed by Casson and others, calls on the government to use all available tools to protect British citizens, including cautioning against travel to Egypt in official travel advice.
  • The letter argues that British citizens who encounter issues with the Egyptian police state cannot expect fair treatment or adequate support from the British government.
  • UN investigators have stated that Abd El-Fattah, imprisoned in Egypt since 2019, is being illegally detained and should be released immediately.
  • Signatories, including Richard Ratcliffe, highlight the incompatibility of Egypt's friendly relations and economic dependence on British tourism with its alleged abuse of British citizens.
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