Morocco has released Egyptian opposition figure Dr. Abdel Basset Imam after its Court of Cassation ruled against extraditing him to Egypt. The Shehab Centre for Human Rights announced the decision on Tuesday.
Imam, who also holds Turkish citizenship, was arrested on 3 November at Casablanca airport following an extradition request from the Egyptian government. The opposition figure faces a life sentence in Egypt due to his dissent against President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s regime.
Human rights groups, including the Shehab Centre for Human Rights, commended the Moroccan court’s decision, which aligns with international legal standards. Imam’s wife had previously made an emotional plea urging Moroccan authorities not to send her husband back to Egypt, citing fears of inhumane treatment.
Since President Sisi came to power in 2013, human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns over the treatment of political prisoners in Egypt, including allegations of torture. Under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), deporting individuals to countries where they risk severe rights abuses is prohibited.
