Federal Appeals Court Upholds Rights of Egyptian Coptic Christian
We are pleased that a federal appeals court has acted to protect the human rights of a Coptic Christian from
In a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, a three-judge panel upheld a lower court decision giving Khouzam the right to challenge
In its decision, the federal appeals court concluded that Khouzam was denied due process and determined that the U.S. Government did not permit Khouzam to see the written diplomatic assurances that had been obtained from
It is very encouraging to see the federal appeals court take action to protect the human rights of a Coptic Christian who is likely to face torture and possible death if he returns to
The decision by the federal appeals court upholds a decision issued in January 2008 by a federal district court that temporarily put the deportation on hold saying that he most assuredly has a right not to be tortured.
In our amicus brief, we contend that
The brief also contends that the United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT) should apply in this case. CAT states that [n]o State Party shall expel, return (refouler) or extradite a person to another State where there are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of being subjected to torture. The brief asserts that where the receiving country has a poor human rights track record, like
The ECLJ has special consultative status from the U.N. a designation that enhances the global nature of our religious liberty and human rights work that already spans more than 35 countries. Along with our worldwide affiliates, we engage in litigation, provide legal services, render advice to individuals and governmental agencies, as well as counsel clients on global freedom and liberty issues. We also support training law students from around the world in order to protect religious liberty and safeguard human rights and dignity.