Amnesty International Calls for Action Against Prison Abuses in Egypt
Amnesty International urges Egypt to stop reprisals against hunger-striking prisoners protesting their conditions in the 10th of Ramadan Prison. The detainees seek an end to their arbitrary detention and inhumane treatment. Human rights defender Hossam Bahgat faces charges after EIPR’s public statement about prison conditions.
Amnesty International has urgently called upon Egyptian authorities to halt retaliation against hunger-striking prisoners in the 10th of Ramadan Prison. The detainees initiated the hunger strike to protest against their arbitrary detention and the harsh conditions they endure while incarcerated.
Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt Researcher at Amnesty International, highlighted the issue, stating that “instead of addressing the deplorable detention conditions… authorities are attempting to stifle prisoners who are protesting these conditions by subjecting them to punishment.” He emphasized that even in newly constructed prisons, inmates experience mistreatment due to a lack of oversight.
Inmates at the 10th of Ramadan Prison are deprived of sunlight and outdoor exercise, confined to their cells for 23 hours a day, as they receive only one hour of movement within a corridor. This situation violates the Mandela Rules governing treatment of prisoners, which mandate access to outdoor exercise.
Since January, various political detainees at the Reform and Rehabilitation Center have engaged in a hunger strike in response to prolonged detention without legal justification and unacceptable confinement conditions. Previously, they had requested a visit from Egypt’s Public Prosecutor to address their concerns, but their appeals were ignored during court hearings regarding their pretrial detention.
The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) publicly condemned the prison conditions on January 12, 2025. Following this, on January 19, authorities commenced an investigation into Hossam Bahgat, the EIPR executive director, on dubious charges of “spreading false news” and “aiding and funding a terrorist group.”
Bahgat faced over three hours of interrogation by Egypt’s Supreme State Security Prosecution without being formally informed of the allegations against him. In light of these developments, Human Rights Watch has urged the Egyptian government to rescind the charges against Bahgat, advocating for the protection of human rights defenders.
In summary, Amnesty International has condemned the retaliatory measures against hunger-striking prisoners in Egypt, citing deplorable detention conditions. The plight of detainees in the 10th of Ramadan Prison highlights significant human rights violations. Moreover, the investigation and charges against human rights defender Hossam Bahgat exemplify the suppression of those advocating for accountability and justice. It is crucial for authorities to address these concerns and uphold the rights of all prisoners.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
