Shawkan

Oct. 22: Where is Shawkan?

Posted on by Mark Aldrich

Update, October 21/22, 2016: A source close to Mahmoud Abou Zeid, the Egyptian photographer known as “Shawkan,” reported to me today that there is less that is known with certainty about Shawkan’s whereabouts than what has been reported in the media in the last 48 hours, including in this website.

What is known this Friday night/Saturday morning is that when Shawkan’s brother, Mehmet, visited Tora Prison to see his brother earlier this week, he was informed that Shawkan was not at the prison. (Mehmet confirmed that himself to this website and to other publications.) This was the first time that anyone had learned of Shawkan’s transfer. To the best that I have been able to ascertain, even Shawkan’s lawyers had not been contacted in advance or advised about any changes in Shawkan’s status.

It is understood that about 300 prisoners were moved from Tora Prison recently (even the date is not yet known) and Shawkan is believed to be one of the prisoners. Because no one has been in contact with Shawkan himself, it is not known where he is tonight: he could be back in Tora Prison or still be at another location.
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Oct. 20: An Update About Shawkan

Posted on by Mark Aldrich

Update, October 20, 2016: Yesterday in this space I reported that Mehmet Abu Zeid, brother of Mahmoud Abou Zeid, the Egyptian photographer known as “Shawkan,” reported that when he visited the jail where his brother is being held, he was informed that his brother is not at the jail.

Mehmet told my source that Shawkan was taken to a facility outside or near Tora Prison for “investigations,” which is his word. He has since been returned to Tora Prison.
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An Update About Shawkan

Posted on by Mark Aldrich

Update, October 19, 2016: Earlier today, Mehmet Abu Zeid, brother of Mahmoud Abou Zeid, the Egyptian photographer known as “Shawkan,” reported that when he visited the jail where his brother is being held, he was informed that his brother is not at the jail.

Mehmet informed my contact that he is at present waiting to be contacted by jail authorities and anticipating information regarding Shawkan’s current whereabouts and condition.

Speculation about this situation is rampant because speculation is easy. Is there any meaning behind this move? Quite probably. Is it good news or bad news? No one yet knows, but individuals close to Shawkan are pursuing the truth today, and I am making efforts to learn what they have learned and report it here.
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