‘HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement,’ in collaboration with ‘RedWord for Human Rights and Freedom of Expression,’ publishes a joint report titled: “Political Satire in Egypt: A Peaceful Protest Against Repression.”
The report provides an in-depth analysis of the concept of freedom of expression, paired with political satire as a peaceful and effective tool for protest against repressive regimes, with a specific focus on the modern Egyptian Republic.
The report traces the development of political satire across decades, examining the periods of Gamal Abdel Nasser, Anwar Sadat, and Hosni Mubarak. It places special emphasis on the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 and the dramatic political changes that followed. Additionally, it provides a detailed exploration of the era of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, highlighting the systematic escalation of repression against dissenting voices, including targeting individuals who use satire as a means to express opposition to existing policies.
The report draws on open-source data and presents various examples of political satire that emerged during these historical periods. It examines the forms satire has taken, the evolution of satirical political discourse, and its role as a tool for peaceful resistance. Furthermore, the report discusses domestic and international laws regulating freedom of expression, including legislation on defamation, libel, and insult. It highlights how these laws are often exploited to restrict publishing and target critical voices.
The report also addresses recent incidents where Egyptian security forces have targeted writers, journalists, and even ordinary citizens for engaging in political satire or criticizing the regime. It provides a chronological historical narrative with examples that help contextualize the current political reality. The report raises critical questions about whether any regime—no matter how authoritarian—can fully silence dissent or eliminate political satire as a tool for peaceful protest.
The report aims to foster discussions about the role of political satire as a peaceful means of resisting repression and supporting freedom of expression in Egypt. It also underscores the importance of satire in creating a space for expression and peacful resistance amidst increasing restrictions on civil and political freedoms. The report aspires to open new avenues for deeper understanding of the impact of political satire in addressing political and social challenges in Egypt and the region.
