afrol News, 4 March - Egyptian authorities have released an Internet activist who was arrested in his home near the capital Cairo on Monday. The activist's detention followed a call by the Youth Movement for the general strike in Egypt on 6 April.

A prominent member of the movement Rami al-Sweisy was arrested in the early morning hours and his computer, mobile phone and wallet were also confiscated, according to local reports.

The group is reportedly using media Web sites, such as Facebook, to organise rallies critical of the government. The youth group has been a constant menace to the Egyptian authorities calling for general strikes and establishing a forum critical of government.

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, said bloggers have become a major target of the Egyptian police, accusing the authorities of acting unlawfully and infringing the freedom of speech and association.

Egyptian authorities have escalated tactics against bloggers and Web activists in recent weeks even as the government freed opposition politician Ayman Nour, one of its most prominent critics. Nour's release had long been demanded by Washington.

Last month, security men detained Egyptian-German activist Philip Rizk and blogger Diaa Eddin Gad, who campaign for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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