Cultural figures, journalists and rights advocates gathered at the Journalists Syndicate Sunday night to demand the release of Al Manassa cartoonist Ashraf Omar, who has been held in pretrial detention since July 22, 2024, pending investigation in State Security case No. 1968 of 2024.
The event, initially organized as a discussion of the Arabic translation of “The Dialectics of Art” by British Marxist author John Molyneux, which Omar translated from English, turned into a show of solidarity marking one year since his arrest.
Originally published in 2020, the book provides a crucial Marxist lens on visual culture, which redefines art as “unalienated human labor” and explores its enduring tension with capitalism and its profound role in reflecting and shaping society from the Renaissance to the modern era.
“This is not just a book discussion,” said Mahmoud Kamel, head of the syndicate’s cultural committee. “It’s a moment of solidarity with our colleague—a journalist, artist, and translator who belongs out here with us, creating and participating in public life, not in a prison cell.”
Kamel, who previously led the syndicate’s freedoms committee, asserted that Omar’s detention is part of a broader crackdown on free expression. He pointed to the continued imprisonment of 23 journalists in cases tied to publishing and opinion, vowing, “We will not stop demanding their release or speaking out about their absence on every occasion.”
Meanwhile, journalist Sayed Mahmoud, who moderated the event, said the syndicate must not only show solidarity but fulfill its role in defending cultural expression. He praised Omar’s translation as a “serious contribution” that reveals his deep engagement with art and politics.
Offering a deeper dive into the translated work, Anwar Moghith, former head of the National Center for Translation and a professor of philosophy at Helwan University, presented an analytical reading of the book. He described it as a profound philosophical examination of art’s liberating force against capitalist alienation.
A seminar at the Journalists Syndicate discussing "The Dialectics of Art" by British author John Molyneux, translated by Ashraf Omar. July 20, 2025.He then directly addressed Omar, stating, “We miss you. We hope you return soon. We will not stop demanding your freedom and standing behind your just cause.”
Adding to the tributes, artist and critic Sayed Hewiedy described the event as a celebration of Omar’s cultural contributions despite his ordeal. Hewiedy also presented a painting symbolizing “the struggle between captivity and freedom.”
“Even behind bars, Ashraf continues to create,” Hewiedy said. “We are here tonight discussing a work that reflects his intellect and resilience.”
Omar was arrested on July 22, 2024, after plainclothes security forces raided his home, blindfolded him, and took him to an undisclosed location. He reappeared two days later at the Supreme State Security Prosecution, which charged him with “spreading false news, misusing social media, and joining an illegal group”.
He has remained in pretrial detention ever since.
In an earlier statement to Al Manassa, rights lawyer Khaled Ali explained that the court's review chamber is authorized to renew pretrial detention for up to 45 days at a time, so long as the total duration does not exceed 18 months from the date of arrest.
Ashraf's arrest and detention have sparked broad condemnation from press freedom advocates throughout the year.
In a statement today, Reporters Without Borders Germany (RSF Germany) marked one year since cartoonist Ashraf Omar was “kidnapped from his home in Egypt,” declaring, “He must be released immediately, and his family must also be left alone!”
Cartooning for Peace echoed this, highlighting the “unlawful arrest and ‘pretrial detention’,” and noting the absence of any trial date. They stressed that charges like “membership of a terrorist organization” and “spreading false news” are routinely used against Egyptian journalists, with authorities employing prolonged detention to stifle perceived political opponents.
More than 800 writers, artists, and academics had previously signed a public petition calling for Omar’s release, describing his arrest as a “deeply concerning indication of increasing constraints on cultural and artistic expression,” particularly in light of his notable contributions to translation and political cartooning.
International watchdogs, including Article 19 and Reporters Without Borders, have also condemned Omar’s detention and called for his release.
Additionally, the Committee to Protect Journalists called for Ashraf's immediate release, while Amnesty International condemned the renewed detention, describing it as part of an “escalation in their crackdown on the right to freedom of expression and independent media.”
