Canada’s largest union is calling on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to take personal and immediate action to secure the return of journalist Mohamed Fahmy to Canada. The Canadian Union of Public Employees is echoing the calls of human rights and press freedom organizations around that Fahmy be repatriated from Egypt, where he was unjustly convicted and sentenced to prison for his work as a journalist.
“It’s important for CUPE to lend its voice to human rights struggles at home and around the world,” said Paul Moist, national president of CUPE. “The conviction of Mohamed Fahmy is an affront to the freedom of the press, which is a principle at the very heart of democracy.”
On behalf of CUPE’s 633,000 members, Moist sent a letter urging Prime Minister Harper to communicate directly with Egypt President al-Sisi to demand Fahmy’s immediate return to Canada.
While recognizing the work Canada has already done on Fahmy’s behalf, Moist is calling for new efforts. “It goes to the very heart of what it means to be Canadian that we defend the rule of law and protect our fellow citizens from harm,” wrote Moist.
For more information visit Canadian Journalists for Free Expression.
