Egyptian authorities detain former diplomat after calls for referendum

An Egyptian former diplomat was detained by authorities in Cairo on Thursday, just two weeks after calling for a referendum on President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s government, family members told CNN. “Security forces took my father, Maasoum Marzouk, from our home without explanation and without cause just for practicing his constitutional rights of calling for a […]

An Egyptian former diplomat was detained by authorities in Cairo on Thursday, just two weeks after calling for a referendum on President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s government, family members told CNN.

“Security forces took my father, Maasoum Marzouk, from our home without explanation and without cause just for practicing his constitutional rights of calling for a referendum,” Maisara Marzouk said.

“A minibus of around 15 civilian-dressed, armed security personnel arrived at 1pm and arrested him, then searched his house and took his personal belongings without showing us the legal permit for that procedure,” she added.

Khaled Ali, Marzouk’s lawyer, confirmed the detainment, adding that seven opposition leaders also were arrested in the sweep.

Egyptian authorities have not informed Marzouk’s lawyer or family members of any charges that he faces. They believe he is being interrogated for his calls for a national referendum on the president. (CNN)