Deportation of Syrian journalist Samer Mukhtar from Egypt sparks widespread solidarity

Egyptian authorities have suddenly deported Syrian journalist Samer Mukhtar to Syria in an incident that has triggered a widespread wave of solidarity and condemnation in human rights and media circles.

According to Deutsche Welle's Arabic-language service (DW), Mukhtar was unable to say goodbye to his young child — who holds Egyptian citizenship — before his deportation, despite his repeated previous attempts to renew his residency in the country.

A number of activists and fellow journalists have expressed solidarity with Mukhtar, arguing that the manner in which the deportation was carried out falls short of basic humanitarian standards, particularly with regard to his right to put his family affairs in order before leaving the country.

Egyptian authorities have yet to issue any official comment on the reasons for the deportation or the procedures taken against the journalist. The available facts suggest that his attempts to renew his residency yielded no results.

The incident comes at a time when a number of Syrian journalists and refugees in Egypt are facing challenges related to their legal status and residency permits, amid repeated calls from human rights groups to ensure more humane treatment for this population.