Egypt: Egyptian Colonel risks torture following kidnapping

Ayman Ahmed Salem, 40, a Lieutenant-Colonel with the Egyptian Military Forces was recently disappeared from an unknown location. Beginning 3 December 2010, Mr Salem began publishing politically-motivated articles on the internet criticising the Egyptian government. He also sent a mass e-mail accusing the regime of corruption and calling upon all Egyptian citizens to perform a mass non-violent protest against the government.

On 17 December 2010, Alkarama submitted Ayman Ahmed Salem's case to the Special Rapporteur on torture, following Mr Salem's arrest and disappearance, seeking his intervention with the Egyptian authorities, as current fears are that Mr Salem risks torture while in incommunicado detention.

Alkarama has dealt with a number of cases of disappearance in Egypt, many of which endure long periods before being release is granted or charges are laid. Following the reappearance of several the victims of disappearance in Egypt, Alkarama now knows that were been detained in incommunicado where they were repeatedly tortured and detained under inhumane conditions.

Alkarama fears for Mr Ayman Salem's physical and mental integrity and requests the Egyptian authorities to immediately bring an end to this violation by either releasing him or giving him a fair trial, in which he receives all the guarantees necessary for his defence.