Egypt releases pro-Palestinian blogger

[oberliner]

CAIRO (AFP) — Egyptian police have released a pro-Palestinian student and blogger who had been arrested outside his home early last month, a human rights group said on Saturday.

Diaeddin Gad was released Friday morning after spending almost seven weeks in jail, said Gamal Eid, executive director for the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI).

Eid accused police of beating Gad in detention.

"He was threatened and beaten, and asked about his blog and his support for Gaza and criticisms of (Egyptian President) Hosni Mubarak," he said.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jZnRA8wo5_bvAqcVJSGfpzztl5ag

[bemildred]

1. He needs to back off on criticizing Hosni. nt

[oberliner]

2. Among other things

Imprisoned blogger Dia Eddin Gad mistreated after refusing to join political party as condition for his release

NEW YORK, March 24, 2009 (ANHRI/IFEX) - The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information vehemently condemns the administration of Katta Prison for taking retaliatory measures against Dia Eddin Gad, who has been there since he was detained on 6 February 2009. Gad has been locked in solitary confinement and deprived of sunlight. He was also deprived of medical care and was threatened with death.

ANHRI fears that these retaliatory measures are due to his refusal, along with his family, to join the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP). An official with the party proposed that Gad be released once he joins the NDP.

A prominent member of the NDP in Tanta went to the Gad's family's house and asked his family to fill in a membership form and give him a photo of Gad. The official wanted him to get a membership card as a price for his release. Gad's mother refused to cooperate.

http://www.menassat.com/?q=en/alerts/6253-imprisoned-blogger-dia-eddin-gad-mistreated-after-refusing-join-political-party-conditio

[bemildred]

3. LOL. Oh yeah, and join Hosni's party and vote for Hosni too. nt