On January 15, 2023, an Egyptian military court sentenced Mohamed Ali, a Spain-based businessman and outspoken critic of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, to life in prison in absentia for his role in sparking rare anti-government protests in 2019. The ruling, reported by state media, underscores Egypt’s ongoing clampdown on dissent, raising concerns among rights groups about the state of political freedom in the country.
Mohamed Ali’s Viral Campaign Against Corruption
Mohamed Ali, a 48-year-old construction contractor and budding actor, emerged as a prominent figure in Egypt’s political landscape in 2019 when he posted a series of videos on social media accusing President Sisi and the military elite of widespread corruption. Filmed from Spain, where Ali has resided for several years, these videos garnered millions of views and ignited a wave of small but spirited demonstrations across Egypt. The protests, though limited in scale, were a rare display of public dissent in a country where such actions have been heavily suppressed.
Ali’s accusations focused on alleged mismanagement and misuse of public funds by the military, resonating with a population frustrated by economic challenges. His bold stance briefly galvanized hundreds to take to the streets, a significant act given Egypt’s restrictive environment for public expression.
Harsh Sentences and a Crackdown on Dissent
The military court’s verdict targeted Ali alongside 37 co-accused, all sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia for their alleged roles in inciting the 2019 protests. Additionally, dozens of others received prison terms ranging from five to 15 years. These courts, which frequently handle terrorism offenses, issue non-appealable sentences, a practice that has drawn criticism from human rights advocates. Local media reported that Ali was also added to Egypt’s terrorist blacklist, resulting in a travel ban and the freezing of his assets.
In the aftermath of the 2019 protests, Egyptian authorities arrested approximately 4,000 individuals, including academics, activists, and lawyers, according to rights groups. This sweeping crackdown reflects a broader strategy to suppress opposition voices, a trend that intensified following the 2013 ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi.
Egypt’s Political Landscape and Protest Restrictions
The sentencing comes as Egypt approaches the 12th anniversary of the 2011 Arab Spring uprising, which toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak. The brief period of political openness that followed was curtailed after mass protests in 2013 led to Morsi’s removal by then-army chief Sisi. Later that year, a law was enacted that effectively banned all unauthorized protests, significantly limiting public demonstrations. When Sisi assumed the presidency in 2014, his administration expanded its crackdown, initially targeting Islamists before broadening its scope to silence all forms of dissent.
Rights groups estimate that Egypt currently holds over 65,000 political prisoners, a figure that underscores the government’s stringent approach to opposition. Critics argue that measures like travel bans and asset freezes are used to prevent activists and dissenters from challenging the regime, even from abroad.
Implications for Freedom of Expression
The life sentence handed to Mohamed Ali, who remains in Spain, highlights the Egyptian government’s efforts to stifle criticism, even from those outside its borders. Rights activists have condemned the use of military courts and terrorism charges to target political opponents, arguing that such measures undermine freedom of expression and democratic principles. Ali’s case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who speak out against the government, whether at home or in exile.
As Egypt navigates its complex political and economic landscape, the international community continues to watch closely. The sentencing of Ali and his co-accused raises questions about the space for dissent in a country where public protest has become increasingly rare and perilous.
