Two Egyptian nationals, Emad Awny Elgamal and Khaled Fuozi Foudza, who had been detained by Zimbabwean authorities under unclear circumstances, have finally been freed and allowed to leave the country. This comes after the intervention of human rights lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).
Elgamal and Foudza were arrested by Zimbabwean Immigration officials on March 6, 2024, and detained at Harare Remand Prison. Despite having valid visitors’ permits, which allowed them to stay in Zimbabwe for 30 days, authorities claimed they needed to “verify their documents”. No charges were preferred against them, and they were held without access to legal representation or communication with their families.
On March 27, 2024, the two Egyptians engaged Harare lawyer Brighton Sadowera of Sadowera Kuwana Legal Practitioners, who filed an urgent chamber application at the Harare High Court. The application sought an order compelling the immigration officials to immediately release them, as well as a declaration that the provisions of the Immigration Act allowing for arbitrary detention were in violation of their constitutional rights.
On April 5, 2024, when the application was set down for hearing, the Chief Director of Immigration conceded that the detention was unlawful. Elgamal and Foudza were released from prison the next day and escorted to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by their lawyers. They flew back to Egypt, finally reunited with their families after a month-long ordeal.
The ZLHR welcomed the outcome, stating that the release of the two Egyptians was a victory for human rights and the rule of law. The organization commended the lawyers who worked on the case and emphasized the importance of holding authorities accountable for arbitrary detentions and violations of constitutional rights.
This case highlights the importance of legal intervention and advocacy in protecting the rights of individuals, particularly in cases where authorities abuse their power. The ZLHR continues to work tirelessly to promote and protect human rights in Zimbabwe, ensuring that justice is served and that individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
