Statement on the Detainment of Ismail Alexandrani

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Drew Sample
Phone: (202) 691-4379
drew.sample@wilsoncenter.org

This week, Egypt detained Ismail Alexandrani, an Egyptian researcher, investigative journalist, and former Wilson Center Fellow. The Wilson Center is deeply concerned by his arrest, and we have reached out to senior U.S. officials for more information. Although we do not know yet what the charges against Mr. Alexandrani are, we strongly urge the government of Egypt to deal with his case in full accordance with the country's constitution that guarantees Egyptian citizens freedom of speech and the media.

The Wilson Center was chartered by Congress to bridge the worlds of scholarship and policy; each year, we host individuals from around the world to pursue independent research. Mr. Alexandrani held an appointment as a Visiting Arab Journalist here from February through July 2015, studying Egyptian-American cooperation in the Sinai Peninsula. He made valuable contributions to our community – an environment dedicated to free inquiry and open dialogue.

In that spirit, we ask Egypt to demonstrate its respect for freedom of expression, and assure the international community of its commitment to basic human rights.

Jane Harman, Director, President & CEO
on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Staff and Scholars of
the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars