Fridae

Gay and human rights activists from US to France to Turkey to the Philippines will protest the detention of the 52 men in Egypt who will stand trial accused of "immoral behaviour" because of their alleged sexual orientation on Wednesday.

According to the press release by Al-Fatiha Foundation who initiated campaign, more than 50 organisations including Amnesty International, Lesbian & Gay Immigration Rights Task Force, Gay and Lesbian Arab Society, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Progressive Organisation of Gays in the Philippines have endorsed Al-Fatiha's call to action.

Al-Fatiha Foundation, an international organisation dedicated to support LGBTQ Muslims in reconciling their sexual orientation or gender identity with Islam declared August 15 an "international day of solidarity and mourning".

"All Muslims are called upon to take a stand against injustice," said Faisal Alam, founder and director, Al-Fatiha in a statement. "Islam is a religion of peace and social justice. Islam is not homophobic and homophobia is not Islamic."

Egyptian authorities arrested 55 men attending a party at a gay venue on May 11. Of those, 52 are still in custody and await trial charges of "immoral behaviour" due to perceived sexual orientation, punishable by up to three years in jail.

Reports have also indicated that the men have been tortured by police and have undergone physical examinations to determine whether they were sexually active with other men.

Supporters have also been urged to flood the Egyptian embassies and consulates around the world on August 15 (the first day of the trial), with phone calls, faxes, and emails to put pressure on the government of Egypt for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained men.

Cities where demonstrations and rallies are planned include: Atlanta (USA), Berlin (Germany), Canberra (Australia), Geneva (Switzerland), Kampala (Uganda), London (England), Manila (Philippines), New York City (USA), Paris (France), San Francisco (USA), Washington DC (USA) and Vancouver (Canada).

To locate the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate go to http://www.mfa.gov.eg/frames.asp?id=01 and click on "Egyptian Missions Abroad."