Drawing by Gianluca Costantini, slightly modified to minimise file size.

Update 2024-10-28: Omar's detention orders keep getting extended every 15 days. Each time via video link. He hasn't seen the prosecution face-to-face since his arrest.

Update 2024-08-19: ✍️ Friends and supporters of Ashraf Omar started an online petition demanding his release. Please sign this petition here. It will be forwarded to human rights and press freedom organizations.

Update 2024-08-18: He received another 15 days 😔

Update 2024-08-05: Unfortunately, Ashraf Omar's detention order has been extended by the State Security Prosecution for another 15 days. His lawyer reports that he was beaten during his arrest and threatened with electrocution.

Egypt State security prosecution has detained cartoonist and translator Ashraf Omar for 15 days. He was arrested in the middle of the night from his home and has been accused of "joining a terrorist group, publishing false news and misusing social media".

I know Ashraf and we worked together at the Nadim Centre for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence and Torture back in 2009. He is an incredibly kind and thoughtful person. What he is facing is outrageous and I hope there is enough pressure to get him released as soon as possible.

On Monday 29 July, the Journalists Syndicate held a symbolic sit-in and a day of solidarity with imprisoned journalists after an alarming increase in the number of detained journalists.

A second protest took place at the syndicate on 11 August.

I will keep updating this post with links to articles or statements related to his ordeal: