CENTER FOR TRADE UNION & WORKERS SERVICES
( CTUWS )
Honored the French Republic’s Human Rights Prize
Listening to the pleadings on the appeal notice regarding Kamal Abbas'
sentence in absentia
Hewlan Misdemeanors court sets 25/11/2012 a date for adjudication
Hewlan Misdemeanors court sets 25/11/2012 a date for adjudication on the appeal notice to a
sentence against Kamal Abbas; the General Coordinator of (CTUWS). Abbas has been sentenced
for 6 months prison in absentia at the case # 988/2012.
Hewlan Misdemeanors court has issued the referred to sentence on Sunday, February 26th, 2012 as
a reaction to the severe argument between the two Egyptian parties invited to the International
Labour conference held on Thursday, June 9th, 2011. The former was the Egyptian Trade Union
Federation (ETUF), representing the government and the old regime, whereas the latter was Center
for Trade Unions and Workers Services (CTUWS), representing independent unions.
Mr. Abbas has interrupted the speech of Mr. Ismail Fahmy, the Acting Head of the ETUF. He has
refused the presence of the Federation as one of the old regime institutions which have practiced
several forms of oppression against Egyptian labors and their movement. The Federation is
described by Mr. Abaas as opponent to labors' rights in establishing their independent unions and in
sustaining their rights to negotiate for their interests.
Mr. Abbas has appealed the unbelievable sentence, whereas the court has insisted on listening to
witness for the prosecution; members of ETUF previous board. Those members have been given
wittiness during investigations and did not attend before the court though has been notified twice.
Accordingly, the court has decided to delay deciding on the appeal till 21/10/2012 to listen to
pleadings and investigate submitted documents.
Hewlan Misdemeanors court has examined the case Today morning among the presence of several
labors and unionists. The defense lawyers include Prof/ Ahmed Hassan Al Boraie, Professor of
labor legislations and former Minister of Manpower and Immigration, Mr. Mohamed Al Damaty,
Delegate of Lawyers' syndicate and Head of liberties committee, in addition to lawyers of the
CTUWS and other supporting lawyers from Helwan district.
The defense lawyers have asserted that the Egyptian legislator is not concerned with the case and
negates accusations due to the immunity members of international conferences enjoy, as per article
#40 of the International Labour Organization constitution. Lawyers have insisted on the invalidity
of awarding decision and stressed on the inaccuracy of descriptions and documentations before the
prosecution. Lawyer have cited an example inaccuracy, referring to the description of Mr. Ismail
Fahmy as a government official, knowing that a representative to labors should be independent
form the government as per the International Labor Organization resolution # 1952
Accordingly, Hewlan Misdemeanors court sets 25/11/2012 a date for adjudication.
Egypt/Helwan - Mohammed Said Ahmed st.- Petrogas buildings- Alexandria buildingSecond Floor – Apartment No. (2)
P.O. Box. 114 Helwan
Tel& Fax: +202 255 93 929 / + 202 255 93 932 /+202 276 53 491
Mobil: +2012 0532 488
E-mail: [email protected],
Website:http://www.ctuws.com
Again, CTUWS expresses its full gratitude to the defense lawyers, who have exerted their great
effort voluntarily due to their belief in justice. We are truly thankful to all the defenders of
democracy and freedom of expression inside and outside Egypt, and those who never stopped
fighting for labors and unionists' rights. We are thus stressing our ongoing struggle and fighting for
the elimination of all forms of oppression. We will back Egyptian labors till they obtain their full
rights in establishing their independent unions.
We are waiting for the sentence, hoping that the Egyptian Judiciary will not harm Egyptian labors
democratic rights and would back freedom of organization and expression.
Center for Trade Unions and Workers Services
Sunday 21/10/2012
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