The “Article 55” Alliance expressed deep concern over the increasing violations inside Egyptian prisons and detention centers throughout November 2024. These abuses occur amid the Egyptian authorities’ disregard for international and domestic demands to improve human rights conditions, reflecting the continuation of systematic policies that contradict the Egyptian constitution and international standards.
Overview of the Human Rights Situation in November 2024:
November 2024 witnessed alarming developments in Egypt’s human rights scene, including:
Downgrade of the National Council for Human Rights’ International Rating:
The Sub-Committee on Accreditation of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions recommended downgrading the council’s classification from Category (A) to Category (B), citing a lack of independence and failure to adhere to the “Paris Principles.”
Continuation of Enforced Disappearances and Arbitrary Arrests:
Notable cases include the reappearance of Nasser Abdel Moneim Abdel Naim’s family after a 182-day disappearance and the extradition of dissident Emad Saadallah from the UAE, followed by his arrest and charges related to freedom of expression.
Crackdown on Peaceful Protests:
Mass arrests followed protests in Dakahlia Governorate demanding road improvements, with detainees facing charges of unlawful assembly despite authorities subsequently addressing their demands.
Renewed Crackdown on Al-Warraq Island:
The island witnessed clashes and arrests as authorities attempted to enforce forced eviction orders in favor of foreign investors.
Documented Violations in Prisons:
Throughout the month, alliance organizations documented alarming cases of violations against detainees, including:
Death Due to Medical Negligence:
Ihab Joha died in Borg El-Arab Prison after his health deteriorated under inhumane detention conditions. Authorities refused to release him despite his critical state.
Torture and Protest Strikes:
Detainee Medhat Abdel Rahman was tortured in Borg El-Arab Prison, sparking strikes in political wards in protest against ongoing mistreatment.
Neglect of Ill and Injured Detainees:
Mohamed Omar, paralyzed from the waist down, remains detained under harsh conditions in “Rehabilitation 6” prison without adequate medical care.
Abuse of Female Detainees:
Warda Gomaa faces ongoing case renewals and is denied necessary medical treatment despite suffering from uterine tumors.
Harsh Policies:
In Liman Minya Prison, violations include restrictions on family visits, denial of medical treatment, excessive inspections, and severe limitations for critically ill detainees.
The Alliance’s Position and Demands:
For all the above reasons, the organizations within the “Article 55” Alliance believe that the conditions inside prisons and detention centers are not surprising and fall within the general framework of how the Egyptian authorities deal with detainees—especially political ones. These practices are systematic and not merely individual violations, as claimed by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.
Therefore, the organizations within the “Article 55” Alliance call for an investigation into these violations and holding those responsible accountable in accordance with Egyptian and international law. They also demand the application of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and the Egyptian prison regulations, halting their violations, and ensuring humane living conditions for detainees.
