Amnesty International Condemns Punishment of Detainees in Egypt for Protesting Conditions
Amnesty International reports on the punishment of detainees at 10th of Ramadan Prison following their hunger strike protest against poor conditions and arbitrary detention. The Egyptian authorities have moved several detainees to harsher prisons, and these actions are viewed as reprisals against their protests. The organization calls for improvements to prison conditions and greater oversight, emphasizing the need for humane treatment and compliance with international standards.
Amnesty International has condemned the treatment of detainees at 10th of Ramadan Prison following their recent hunger strike against severe detention conditions. Detainees protested against arbitrary detention, demanding the release of those held for over six months, access to outdoor exercise, full visitation rights, and the removal of an abusive National Security Agency officer.
In response to the hunger strike, Egyptian authorities have reportedly punished at least three detainees by transferring them to prisons known for harsher conditions and confiscating their personal belongings. Mahmoud Shalaby, an Egypt researcher at Amnesty International, criticized the government’s attempts to silence protests rather than addressing the dire conditions within the prison.
Shalaby emphasized the need for Egypt to enhance detainee welfare and allow international observers access to detention centers, stating, “The Egyptian authorities must ensure that conditions of detention are humane and in line with international law and standards, including the Nelson Mandela Rules.”
Family members of the transferred detainees voiced concerns over the relocations to distant prisons, known as “Taghriba” or internal exile, a method often employed as punishment. One relative shared that a detainee was denied medical treatment, reportedly as retribution for seeking help from his political party.
Although 10th of Ramadan Prison was inaugurated in 2023 amid claims of improving conditions, a stark contrast exists. Since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi seized power in 2013, numerous political opponents have been unjustly detained under severe conditions. Following a statement by the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights regarding worsening detention circumstances at the facility, investigations were initiated against the organization’s executive director for allegedly “spreading false news.”
In its investigations across 16 Egyptian prisons, Amnesty International has found systemic torture and cruel treatment of political detainees, often coupled with inadequate healthcare as a punitive measure.
In summary, Amnesty International has highlighted the unjust treatment of detainees at 10th of Ramadan Prison who protested against deplorable conditions by staging a hunger strike. The Egyptian authorities responded with punitive actions, including transfers to harsher prisons and the confiscation of belongings. It is imperative for the Egyptian government to address these inhumane conditions, uphold international detention standards, and grant access to independent observers.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
