“[Regarding allegations indicating that the violations could be an act of intimidation and reprisals against those who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights,] we would like to refer to Human Rights Council resolutions 12/2, 24/24, 36/21, and 42/28 reaffirming the right of everyone, individually or in association with other, to unhindered access to and communication with international bodies, in particular the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. In these resolutions, the Human Rights Council urges States to refrain from all acts of intimidation or reprisals, to take all appropriate measures to prevent the occurrence of such acts. This includes the adoption and implementation of specific legislation and policies [as well as the issuance of appropriate guidance to national authorities] in order to promote a safe and enabling environment for engagement with the United Nations on human rights, and to effectively protect those who cooperate with the United Nations. The Council also urges States to ensure accountability for reprisals by providing access to remedies for victims, and preventing any recurrence. It calls on States to combat impunity by conducting prompt, impartial and independent investigations, pursuing accountability, and publicly condemning all such acts. The full texts of the human rights instruments and standards recalled above are available on www.ohchr.org or can be provided upon request. In view of the urgency of the matter, we would appreciate a response on the initial steps taken by your Excellency’s Government to safeguard the rights of the abovementioned persons in compliance with international instruments. As it is our responsibility, under the mandates provided to us by the Human Rights Council, to seek to clarify all cases brought to our attention, we would be grateful for your observations on the following matters: 1. Please provide any additional information and any comment you may have on the above-mentioned allegations. 2. Please provide information as to the legal and factual basis for the arrests and detention of Mr. Abdel Fattah, Mr. El-Baqer and Ms. Abdel Fattah, and for the charges brought against them. Please provide information on how these measures are compatible with international human rights norms and standards. 3. Please provide information as to the status of any investigations opened against the above-mentioned individuals. 4. Please provide the details, and where available the results, of any investigation, and judicial or other inquiries carried out in relation to reported allegations of physical and verbal abuse against the three human 9