Egypt protests shut Dutch embassy over arrest of Sisi loyalist

The Dutch embassy in Cairo has closed to the public until further notice after nine days of protests outside the building, during which staff had to be evacuated, the embassy has announced on social media.

The demonstrators are demanding the release of Ahmed Nasser, deputy head of a pro-government Egyptian youth group, who was arrested in the Netherlands on October 10.

He was reportedly detained on suspicion of threatening Anas Habib, an Egyptian activist who lives in the Netherlands, and his pre-trial detention has been extended by 14 days, broadcaster NOS reported.

Habib drew international attention last summer when he filmed himself padlocking the gates of the Egyptian embassy in The Hague, in protest at the Egyptian government keeping the Rafah border crossing with Gaza closed.

His action sparked similar protests at Egyptian embassies in more than 16 countries, after which supporters of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi began gathering outside embassies to “protect” them.

Days after Nasser’s arrest, Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty called his Dutch counterpart to demand his release and better protection for Egypt’s embassy in The Hague.

Foreign minister Tom Berendsen said on social media that the two had “discussed the need for progress on the security of our respective embassies and consular affairs.”

It is unclear exactly how Nasser is alleged to have threatened Habib.