Strategic Litigation Briefing: Transnational Repression and the Case of Egypt

Transnational Repression and the Case of Egypt:  Violating Human Rights on U.S. Soil

Date: Friday, May 1st

Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM ET

Panelists: This briefing will feature speakers from Human Rights First and Human Rights Watch.

Zoom webinar link with signup link

Transnational repression is an escalating threat, as oppressive governments reach beyond their own borders to silence dissent, intimidate critics, and violate fundamental rights in other countries—even on U.S. soil.

Join Human Rights First and Human Rights Watch for a briefing examining these dynamics through the lens of Egypt’s practices and broader global trends.

This session will highlight Human Rights First’s legal and advocacy work challenging transnational repression, including El Sammak v. Egypt, a case brought on behalf of two American brothers—one a minor—who were violently assaulted by Egyptian security agents outside and inside Egypt’s Mission to the U.N. in New York City in retaliation for a protest by their friend.

In this targeted briefing, we will explore:

• The rise of transnational repression: How governments are increasingly targeting individuals beyond their borders, including in the United States
• Case spotlight – Egypt: Legal strategies and implications from El Sammak v. Egypt and what it reveals about accountability gaps
• Defending rights on U.S. soil: The role of litigation and advocacy in protecting individuals from foreign state abuses
• Broader patterns and risks: Connections between transnational repression, civic space restrictions, and global authoritarian trends
• Opportunities for support: Where strategic support can strengthen accountability, deterrence, and protection for at-risk communities

Register to join the public briefing.