Egypt: “Article 55” Coalition Issue Monthly Bulletin on Detention Centers and Prison Conditions for January 2025
The organizations participating in the “Article 55” Coalition have released their monthly bulletin to highlight key legal, political, and human rights developments in Egypt during January 2025.
The bulletin sheds light on the most significant political, judicial, and human rights updates in Egypt throughout January, documenting severe violations that took place in prisons and detention centers, reflecting systematic policies that contradict the Egyptian constitution and international human rights standards.
– Developments in Egypt during January:
January 2025 witnessed significant local and regional developments, most notably the ceasefire agreement in Gaza after 15 months of Israeli aggression, with the Egyptian government celebrating President Sisi’s role in the mediation. Meanwhile, concerns escalated over U.S. plans to resettle Gaza residents, a proposal rejected by Egypt, which allowed protests at the Rafah border crossing but deported foreign activists who had called for aid to the besieged enclave.
On the human rights front, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) sessions for Egypt concluded at the United Nations, where authorities faced international criticism for ongoing political repression and human rights violations, despite official denials of structural issues. Additionally, the Committee to Protect Journalists ranked Egypt sixth globally for imprisoning journalists, highlighting continued arrests and violations against media professionals.
The month also saw a new wave of arrests targeting activists and journalists, including content creator Ahmed Abou Zeid, who was charged with currency trading and affiliation with a terrorist organization. Other detainees included activist Mohamed Ahmed Allam, journalist Ahmed Serag, and Dr. Nada Moghith. Furthermore, prominent human rights advocate Hossam Bahgat was interrogated, and journalist Hisham Kassem faced retrial on previous charges.
On the labor front, authorities cracked down on a strike by workers at the “T&C” garment factory in Obour City, arresting dozens before later releasing some on bail. These events occurred amid increasing labor tensions fueled by deteriorating living conditions.
The UPR process further spotlighted these violations, with Egypt receiving widespread criticism for prolonged pretrial detention, enforced disappearances, and restrictions on civil society and press freedom. The Committee to Protect Journalists reaffirmed Egypt’s status as one of the top jailers of journalists, with at least 17 journalists still behind bars, many facing broad charges such as spreading false news and membership in banned organizations.
Security crackdowns also continued, with arrests and judicial harassment targeting activists and human rights defenders, including content creator Ahmed Abou Zeid, journalist Ahmed Serag, and Dr. Nada Moghith. Hossam Bahgat, executive director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, was summoned for questioning in connection with his advocacy work. Meanwhile, at least 25 workers were arrested for participating in strikes demanding better wages and labor rights.
– Major Violations in Detention Centers and Prisons:
During January 2025, coalition organizations documented four deaths in detention centers due to medical neglect. The victims—Abdel Salam Sadouma, Ahmed Gaber, Saad Madin, and Metwally Abou El-Magd—suffered from deteriorating health conditions without receiving adequate medical care.
Ongoing abuses against detainees were also reported, particularly at Wadi El-Natrun Prison – Rehabilitation 5, where prisoners were denied medical treatment and winter clothing while being forced to exercise in shackles. At Borg El-Arab Prison, detainees complained about mistreatment by officer Hamza El-Masry, who delayed family visits and insulted visitors.
In 10th of Ramadan Prison 6, detainees launched a hunger strike to protest inhumane conditions and poor-quality food. They also refused to attend pretrial detention renewal sessions via video conference, yet courts renewed their detention without addressing their grievances.
In Alexandria’s El-Gomrok police station, detainee Karim Abdel Aziz reported being tortured and threatened by an officer, while at Wadi El-Natrun Prison, inmate Mohamed Taha Gamil was subjected to torture and stripped of his clothing. Meanwhile, prominent economist Abdel Khalek Farouk suffered a heart attack and was transferred to a hospital, only to be returned to solitary confinement instead of receiving proper medical care.
The organizations of the “Article 55” Coalition assert that these violations in prisons and detention centers are not isolated incidents but rather part of systematic practices by the Egyptian authorities, particularly against political detainees. They highlight that the government’s policy of impunity for human rights violators only fuels and perpetuates such abuses.
The organizations emphasize that the increasing number of deaths in custody and deteriorating detention conditions raise serious concerns about the fate of prisoners. They call for urgent legal investigations to hold those responsible for these violations accountable, adherence to both Egyptian and international laws, and the provision of humane detention conditions in line with international standards.
