Universal Jurisdiction Mapping of Cases in France
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Egypt

Sirli [CASE DROPPED]

Type of liability
Personne physique

Alleged perpetrator(s)
X

Nationality of alleged perpetrator(s)
Egyptian French

Legal classification of crime(s)
Crimes against humanity
Torture and acts of barbarity
Complicity in crimes against humanity

Source of the complaint
NGO

Ongoing proceedings
non

Regime
4 - 113 CP
2 - 689-1 CPP

Summary of facts

On November 21, 2021, the news website “Disclose” revealed, based on classified documents from the Directorate of Military Intelligence, that the Franco-Egyptian operation “Sirli” had allegedly been diverted from its counterterrorism purpose for internal repression by the Egyptian authorities.

According to “Disclose”, the regime of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi used intelligence provided by the French military to carry out targeted attacks against civilians suspected of smuggling, with no connection to terrorism.

Amnesty International France recalls that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law.

Legal proceedings

<p>September 12, 2022: Egyptians Abroad for Democracy and Code Pink file a complaint against X for “crimes against humanity” and “torture” against Egyptian officials and for “complicity in crimes against humanity” against French officials.<br />
In January 2023: The complaint is dropped for “insufficiently characterized offense.”<br />
May 30, 2023: The NGOs file a hierarchical appeal.<br />
October 9, 2023: The decision to drop the case is upheld.<br />
February 8, 2024: The NGOs file a complaint against France before the ECtHR for violation of Articles 2 (right to life), 6 (right to a fair trial) and 13 (right to an effective remedy).</p>

Complaint

non

Names of NGOs / Victim(s)

Egyptians Abroad for Democracy
Code Pink

Legal basis for jurisdiction (article)

689-11 CCP
689-2 CCP
113-6 PC

Court of Assizes judgment

n/a

Court of Appeal ruling

n/a

Court of Cassation ruling

n/a

Sources

Disclose, « Opération Sirli - Les mémos de la terreur »

Disclose, « Opération Sirli en Egypte : l'Etat français visé par une plainte pour complicité de crime contre l'humanité », 2022

Le Monde, « France-Egypte : l’intouchable opération antiterroriste « Sirli » », 2023

Disclose, « Opération Sirli : la France visée par une plainte devant la Cour européenne des droits de l'Homme », 2024