Nabil Farfour, aged 65, died in prison due to alleged medical negligence, marking the eighth political prisoner to die in Egypt in two months. Farfour had been detained for two months prior to his death; he experienced severe health deterioration after being denied his medication. Human rights organizations are calling for an investigation and the release of other sick detainees, amid ongoing concerns about prison conditions.
Nabil Farfour, a 65-year-old Egyptian political prisoner, tragically died in his prison cell, reportedly due to medical negligence. His death, confirmed by the Shehab Centre for Human Rights, marks the eighth such incident in the past two months. Farfour had been sentenced to five years in prison by the Alexandria Military for an undisclosed case number.
Before his imprisonment, Farfour was employed as an agricultural engineer in Beheira. He was arrested about two months ago after leaving a mosque, and his health significantly deteriorated thereafter. The rights group indicated that his request for necessary medication had been denied, ultimately leading to a stroke that resulted in his death on February 27.
The Shehab Centre criticized the treatment Farfour received, stating that it constituted “a slow killing as a result of deliberate medical negligence,” and has called for an independent investigation into the case. They further urged for the release of other ill detainees, noting that Farfour is the third political prisoner to die in Egyptian custody this month alone.
There have been alarming reports from various human rights organizations regarding the conditions in Egyptian prisons, leading to over 50 reported deaths last year attributed to medical negligence. Amnesty International emphasized that prison authorities have contributed to the deterioration of health among detainees.
In a related context, Laila Soueif, the mother of imprisoned activist Alaa Abd al-Fattah, was hospitalized recently after participating in a 130-day hunger strike to raise awareness of her son’s situation. A coalition of 25 organizations has petitioned the UK Foreign Secretary for Abd al-Fattah’s release, highlighting the broader issues regarding political detentions in Egypt.
Human Rights Watch has also expressed concern over the lack of transparency regarding detention figures in Egypt, which complicates civil society’s ability to monitor prison conditions. Estimates suggest that up to 60,000 political prisoners remain incarcerated under President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi’s regime, showcasing a persistent crackdown on dissent and human rights violations.
The tragic death of Nabil Farfour emphasizes the critical issue of medical negligence within the Egyptian prison system, a matter that has repeatedly drawn international condemnation. His case reflects a disturbing trend of political prisoners facing insufferable conditions, further highlighting the need for urgent reforms and a transparent approach towards human rights in Egypt. All calls for investigations and the release of sick detainees underscore the pressing demand for accountability and humane treatment of individuals in custody.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
