Egypt Terror Watchlist
Egyptian authorities recently removed 716 names from the country’s terrorism watchlist after those individuals stopped engaging in activities that threatened the state and its institutions.
The government’s decision followed a review of the legal statuses of these individuals, which included investigations into any potential connections to illegal or suspicious activities. 
Moreover, an official statement from the Egyptian prosecutor-general’s office revealed that the authorities are continuing to assess the status of others. They are looking for more individuals who have ceased their involvement in such activities and will remove them from the list as well.
Although officials did not release further details about the identities or political affiliations of the individuals removed, the move reflects an ongoing effort by the Egyptian government to address those on the terror watchlist.
Legal Consequences for Individuals on the Egypt Terror Watchlist
Under Egyptian law, those listed on the terror watchlist face serious consequences, including the freezing of their financial assets and the confiscation of their passports. Moreover, the law aims to restrict their movement and limit their ability to engage in any activities that might harm the country or its citizens.
In a notable case from May of this year, the Egyptian cassation court overturned a previous verdict against former footballer Mohamad Aboutrika, who currently resides in Qatar. Consequently, this ruling lifted Aboutrika from the blacklist, marking a significant legal victory for him.
Ongoing Review of Egypt’s Terror Watchlist
Though reports vary, some estimates suggest that nearly 1,500 individuals currently remain on Egypt’s terror watchlist. Critics argue that many of these individuals were added after fleeing the country, particularly regime opponents and members of the banned Muslim Brotherhood. These individuals find themselves excluded from returning home or accessing their assets.
In 2022, Egyptian security services added 33 journalists to a new terrorism watchlist, alongside dozens of other activists and politicians. Many of those listed on the updated watchlist live in self-imposed exile outside of Egypt.
Controversy Surrounding Egypt’s Terrorism Laws
The controversial “Terrorist Entities Law” ratified in 2015 has become a focal point for critics of the Egyptian government. The law targets groups and individuals—both within Egypt and abroad—that the government deems a threat to the country’s national security. Critics argue that this law has given the government excessive power to stifle opposition voices.
Since taking power following a military coup in 2013, President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has led a harsh crackdown on dissent. Rights organizations claim that Sisi’s government has imprisoned tens of thousands of critics, many of whom never received a fair trial.
As the review process continues, it remains unclear what will happen to those who still find themselves on the Egypt terror watchlist. However, the removal of 716 names demonstrates a shift in how the government handles its counterterrorism measures.
Moving forward, Egyptian authorities will likely continue reassessing the status of individuals and adjusting their approach based on changing circumstances.
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