‘Eagles of the Republic’ Actor Hassan El Sayed Detained in Egypt
Egyptian-Danish actor Hassan El Sayed was arrested on December 20, 2025, upon arrival at Cairo International Airport and remains detained as of March 24, 2026. Egyptian National Security Agency officials questioned him regarding his role in the award-winning film Eagles of the Republic, where he appeared briefly as a priest.
He is accused of “joining a terrorist group while being aware of its objectives” and is currently held in pre-trial detention, with authorities repeatedly renewing his detention under case No. 4529 before the Supreme State Security Prosecution [1].
Concerns Over Due Process and Well-being
Filmmakers behind Eagles of the Republic, including producers Linus Stöhr Torell, Johan Lindström, Linda Mutawi, Alexandre Mallet-Guy, co-producers Monica Hellström, Misha Jaari, and Mark Lwoff, and executive producer Emil Wiklund, have demanded El Sayed’s immediate release, stating the charges are “trumped up” and that “art must never become a pretext for punishment” [1]. They have also expressed concern over reports of his “enforced disappearance,” limited access to legal counsel, and the impact of his detention on his mental well-being.
Amnesty International is also calling for El Sayed’s release, citing concerns about arbitrary detention and the violation of his human rights [2].
About Hassan El Sayed and ‘Eagles of the Republic’
Hassan El Sayed, 60, is an Egyptian citizen and Danish resident who has lived in Denmark for nearly 40 years. He resides in Copenhagen with his wife and two children, all of whom are Danish citizens [3]. He appeared very briefly in Eagles of the Republic, playing the role of a priest [1], [4].
Eagles of the Republic premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025 and has received international acclaim. The film explores themes of freedom of expression and political repression [1].
Calls for Action
Advocacy groups are urging individuals to contact Public Prosecutor Mohamed Shawky Ayyad and Egyptian Ambassador Ahmed Abdallah Ibrahim Hafez to demand El Sayed’s immediate and unconditional release [3]. They are also requesting that authorities allow El Sayed to safely reunite with his family in Denmark.
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