As part of its participation in the Sabir Festival, the Egyptian Human Rights Forum (EHRF) co-sponsored a screening of Wherever They Go, a documentary directed by Mahmoud Elenani and produced by EHRF, which focuses on Egypt’s transnational repression strategies against activists and dissidents. The event, held on October 11, 2024, was organized in collaboration with Egyptwide, ARCI, Amnesty International, and the Egyptian Front for Human Rights, aiming to raise awareness about the systemic harassment faced by Egyptian human rights defenders even after they seek refuge outside Egypt’s borders.
Wherever They Go sheds light on the personal experiences of Egyptian dissidents who, despite fleeing the country, find themselves under constant surveillance, threats, and intimidation by state-backed actors. Through interviews and documented cases, the film captures the resilience and struggles of these individuals as they attempt to continue their advocacy under the looming shadow of state-sponsored transnational repression. Elenani’s documentary serves as a vivid portrayal of how authoritarian regimes extend their influence beyond national borders, leveraging diplomatic channels, Interpol notices, and unofficial networks to track and harass dissenting voices globally.
Following the screening, a panel discussion featured Elenani and representatives from EHRF, Egyptwide, ARCI, Amnesty, and the Egyptian Front for Human Rights. The panel offered an in-depth discussion on the broader implications of Egypt’s repression tactics on the global stage, drawing parallels with similar practices by authoritarian governments worldwide. Panelists emphasized the unique challenges that Egyptian activists face in exile, including restricted mobility, financial constraints, and legal pressures that limit their ability to safely and effectively advocate for human rights in their home country. They also discussed the impact of Egypt’s powerful security apparatus and its efforts to silence opposition abroad through various extrajudicial measures.
A key component of the discussion was the recent report Trans-National Repression: Targeting Egyptian Human Rights Defenders in the Diaspora, published by EHRF and the Egyptian Front for Human Rights. This report documents cases of harassment, legal pressures, and threats faced by Egyptian activists in exile, offering detailed insights into how Egyptian intelligence and security agencies exploit international cooperation mechanisms, like those within the EU, to target activists. Panelists called upon festival attendees and international partners, particularly Italy and other EU nations, to uphold human rights as a foundational aspect of bilateral relationships with Egypt. They urged these countries to use their diplomatic leverage to push back against Egypt’s human rights abuses, including its extraterritorial actions.
Held annually in a European city, the Sabir Festival brings together human rights defenders, artists, academics, and civil society organizations to engage in dialogues, workshops, and cultural events centered around human rights, migration, and social justice. Hosting the screening of Wherever They Go allowed festival-goers to connect directly with the realities facing Egyptian dissidents and reflect on the global issue of transnational repression. This event provided an international platform for raising awareness about Egypt’s repression tactics and fostering solidarity with the Egyptian diaspora facing these challenges.
Watch Trailer video for the short documentary film “Wherever they go ”
