CAIRO: An announcement last month that Egypts top prosecutor would investigate an alleged 2014 gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at a luxury Cairo hotel marked a rare moment of triumph for human rights activists.
Those hopes were quickly dispelled after authorities detained possible witnesses and some of their acquaintances, who could face separate charges under the countrys vague morality laws. A media campaign has targeted both potential witnesses and the alleged perpetrators.
Its frightening and terrifying, said Azza Soliman, an attorney who runs the Centre for Egyptian Womens Legal Assistance. She worries the government is making an example of those who came forward with information about the alleged rape and that this will discourage other victims and witnesses from speaking out.
Activists say the sharp turn in the…