Syrians call on Egypt to release detainees

Opposition groups in the Syrian Coalition on Sunday called on Egyptian authorities to immediately release any Syrians arrested in the past few days under the pretext of not having legal residence permits. The Coalition issued a press release urging Egyptian authorities not to deport Syrians living in Egypt since “the Egyptian government and people have an ethical and humanitarian duty to protect the people fleeing the Syrian regime.” According to the Coalition, last week, Egyptian police arrested at least 72 Syrian men and nine boys at checkpoints in Cairo. Some of the detainees allegedly did have valid visas or residence permits. The arrests came days after regulations concerning Syrians’ entrance into Egypt were changed. Since July 8, Syrians have been required to obtain entry visas and security clearances before being allowed entrance into Egypt. The United Nations refugee agency has also expressed concern about the detention of an increasing number of Syrian refugees by Egyptian military and security personnel. UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said Syrians had been accused of taking part in protests supporting Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, who was toppled by on July 3. The Syrian Coalition however also urged Syrian people living in Egypt to fully comply with the laws of the country adding that it is necessary they do not interfere with internal affairs or local politics especially in light of the recent events. The Syrian Coalition commends the Syrian people for respecting and taking into consideration the special circumstances of each hosting country. The Coalition also stresses the importance of maintaining respect in order to avoid creating a hostile atmosphere to Syrians and to ensure that humanitarian doors remain open. Simultaneously the coalition said it paid tribute to the fighters in the Free Syrian Army (FSA) despite their withdrawal from the Khaldiyeh area of Homs recently due to the heavy bombardment by government forces, adding that the tactical withdrawal by FSA fighters is not indicative of President Bashar al-Assad’s ability to maintain control over the area.