NCCM joins call to PM to personally intervene in case of jailed Canadian journalist

-For Immediate Release-

(Ottawa – September 8, 2015) The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a prominent Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, joined 300 notable Canadians in requesting Prime Minister Stephen Harper to personally intervene in the case of Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy.

In an open letter sent today, prominent Canadians urge the Prime Minister to pressure Egypt’s president to deport Fahmy to Canada.

“The world knows that Mr. Fahmy is an innocent man trapped in a political nightmare — that he is in prison simply for doing his job. The world also knows that the conditions of Egypt’s notorious Tora prison pose a grave danger to Mr. Fahmy’s safety and health,” reads the letter.

“While Canada’s efforts to date are appreciated, it is clear that new efforts are required to secure his release,” says NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee. “The time has come for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to personally intervene.

“Calling President al-Sisi directly sends a clear and unambiguous message that this case is of national priority. Diplomatic efforts emerging from the highest office of the land would reaffirm Canada’s commitment to the rule of law and underscore how seriously our government takes its duty to protect its citizens from harm.”

CONTACT: Ihsaan Gardee, Executive Director, 613.254.9704

-30-