Release Ashraf Omar: a solidarity statement from cartoonists

Our colleague Ashraf Omar has been seized from his home by the Egyptian authorities and taken to an unknown destination. No explanation has been given but it is clear he has broken no laws with his cartoons. This is an outrageous contravention of freedom of speech and basic human rights.

Ashraf is a brave commentator on Egyptian and Middle East events and has not been afraid to criticise the government of Egypt. It is this fearlessness that has earned him the vengeance of this brutal state. As cartoonists, we always stand for liberty and defend the right to speak truth to power, often invoked but rarely defended by politicians.

We call on the Egyptian government to release Ashraf and abide by international law and the basic universal respect for freedom of expression.

Steve Bell, Martin Rowson, Andy Davey, Tim Sanders, Dave Brown
August 4, 2024

If you are a cartoonist and would like to add your name to this statement please email action@menasolidaritynetwork.net

Read more about the background to Ashraf’s arrest and detention here