Philip Rizk is a graduate student of Middle Eastern studies. He is also a freelance reporter and blogger. On February 6, 2009, Rizk was arrested by Egyptian police following a Palestinian solidarity march.BBC News: Gaza activist detained in Egypt (February 9, 2009)
March to Gaza
The "March to Gaza" campaign began on January 23, 2009, in order to coincide with the anniversary of the 2008 Egypt-Gaza border being breached. Fourteen activists actually took part in the march from Shobra, North Cairo, to Kafr Hamza. After reaching their destination the group was stopped by 15 security guards asking for identification.Daily News Egypt: Activists begin "March to Gaza" (February 6, 2009) It was at this time that Rizk was whisked away by an unmarked white van, according to witnesses.BBC News: Gaza activist detained in Egypt (February 9, 2009)
Quotes
"We anticipated that when Israeli bombing stopped, the momentum would end and we were right, but we wanted to follow up on this momentum with a series of popular actions." - Philip RizkDaily News Egypt: Activists begin "March to Gaza" (February 6, 2009)
"We are working with the Egyptian authorities to reach an explanation of why he would have been arrested and where he is being held." - German Foreign Ministry spokeswomanInternational Herald Tribune: Egypt police scour German-Egyptian activist's home (February 9, 2009)
References
Fast Facts
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Age at time of arrest
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Helped with documentary on the plight of Palestinians in GazaBBC News: Gaza activist detained in Egypt (February 9, 2009)
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Previously, bloggers have been charged with "forming a criminal group belonging to Hamas"BBC News: Gaza activist detained in Egypt (February 9, 2009)
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Egyptian security forces did not immediately release any information on Rizk's whereaboutsInternational Herald Tribune: Egypt police scour German-Egyptian activist's home (February 9, 2009)
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International Federation for Human Rights called for Rizk's release if no charges were to be filedInternational Herald Tribune: Egypt police scour German-Egyptian activist's home (February 9, 2009)
