“They are left to die from cold and hunger”... A leaked message reveals inhumane conditions threatening the lives of detainees in New Valley Prison
A leaked message from inside New Valley Prison, known in the media as “the death prison,” has revealed harsh and inhumane detention conditions faced by detainees, amounting to cruel and inhumane treatment prohibited under the Egyptian constitution and international human rights treaties.
Detainees reported being deliberately deprived of blankets and winter clothing, despite the severe drop in temperatures and the inadequacy of the cells, which allow cold air to seep directly into the detention areas, posing a real threat to their lives and physical safety.
The message also documented the prison administration's policy of systematic starvation, by providing minimal and insufficient amounts of food that do not meet the minimum nutritional needs, in addition to the arbitrary restrictions imposed on bringing food during visits, where most items are banned or allowed only in very limited quantities.
The violations also include arbitrary and repeated searches, and the stripping of necessary personal belongings and luggage, within a context of ongoing repression and collective punishment.
On the health front, detainees suffer from a lack of adequate medical care, and the prison hospital lacks the most basic safety standards and health services, with the prison administration stubbornly refusing to transfer patients to external hospitals, despite the severity of their conditions, under the pretext of distance, while the desert location of the prison cannot be a legal justification for depriving detainees of their right to treatment.
The continuation of these practices places the lives of detainees in imminent danger, and holds the Egyptian authorities fully legally responsible for any health deterioration or deaths that may result from these conditions.
Al-Shehab Human Rights Center demands
Immediate provision of appropriate blankets and winter clothing for detainees, and ensuring a humane detention environment.
Ending the starvation policy, committing to providing nutritionally adequate meals, and allowing food to be brought in without arbitrary restrictions.
Ending punitive search practices and stripping of personal belongings.
Providing urgent and independent medical care inside the prison, and transferring critical cases to external hospitals without delay.
Opening an independent and transparent investigation into the detention conditions at New Valley Prison, and holding accountable those responsible for the violations.
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