• EGYPT
  • October 30, 2017
  • 3 minutes read

Political Science Scholar: Sisi Prison Violations Worst in Egyptian History

Political Science Scholar: Sisi Prison Violations Worst in Egyptian History

In an interview with satellite TV channel Arabi21, Hassan Nafaa, Professor of Political Science at the University of Cairo, blasted the escalation of violations by general Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi’s regime against freedom of thought and expression, and the regime’s massive violations of the rights of political prisoners. Nafaa said this is the worst era for Egypt ever, even the most brutal and repressive. He described what happened in Rabaa Square as "a real massacre", and called for holding to account all those who were involved in that horrific crime.


Nafaa expressed disappointment with the opposition and its inability to bring about real change in Egypt because of its fragmentation and failure to confront general Sisi and his regime, adding that the Muslim Brotherhood is the real opposition until now, despite the unprecedented repression the group suffers.


Nafaa expressed his dismay at the absence of any real opposition to the Sisi regime, saying that all attempts being made in this context are doomed to failure, especially since the opposition is unable to pull citizens in the street or offer a candidate that represents a real rival. He stressed that there is no alternative capable of taking power and administering the country’s affairs, which suggests that the only scenario for change is a new coup within the military establishment, especially with the presence of wings of power rejecting Sisi’s practices. Nafaa also ruled out the option of revolution now, considering it the most difficult choice.


 

In his interview with Arabi21, the political science professor further criticized local and international silence over the repression of Islamists, especially the Muslim Brotherhood, stressing that many local and international entities condone these violations, which led to the current escalation, until it directly impacted ordinary citizens, not only politicians and activists.