Non-profit youth org challenges travel ban against its top staffers

The Egyptian Democratic Academy (EDA) — a non-profit youth organization — is taking legal action against the travel ban imposed on the chair of its board, Hossam Eddin Aly, and its deputy Ahmed Ghoneim, according to a statement issued Monday.

On December 5, Aly and Ghoneim were checking in for their flights to Morocco and Beirut, respectively, when they were told their names were on the travel ban list, and they were not allowed to board their planes.

The two men have not yet been notified if they face criminal charges or if any other legal action is being taken against them, Aly told Mada Masr.

“Our lawyer has been trying to determine the reason behind the travel ban and whether it is for legal or security reasons. In December, the EDA challenged the general prosecutor’s decision, and a hearing has been set for January 20," Aly said.

An investigations judge looking into charges filed against civil society organizations instituted the ban, according to Aly.

"According to our lawyer, the list is long and includes most Egyptian civil society organizations," he added.

However, Aly claimed the EDA’s papers are in order.

"Whether this is a mistake or a warning, the institute has nothing to worry about," he asserted.

After the 2011 revolution, the EDA filed a complaint with then-General Prosecutor Abdel Meguid Mahmoud against General Hassan al-Roueini for accusing the institution of accepting foreign funds to sow chaos in the country, Aly said.

The military prosecution then summoned Aly and two other employees for further investigation into the charges, he continued.

The EDA was established in 2009 by a group of young activists working in the fields of democracy and human rights. The organization is committed to spreading the values of democracy, human rights and political participation, according to its website.