Amnesty International has urged Egypt to stop retaliating against hunger-striking inmates at 10th of Ramadan Prison. Detainees are protesting their illegal detention and poor conditions. Mahmoud Shalaby highlighted ongoing abuses and oversight failures. The EIPR’s Hossam Bahgat faces charges following advocacy for detainees, prompting further criticism from human rights organizations.
Amnesty International has urged Egyptian authorities to halt retaliatory actions against prisoners engaged in a hunger strike at the 10th of Ramadan Prison. These detainees are protesting their arbitrary detention and the severe, inhumane conditions endured while in custody.
Mahmoud Shalaby, the Egypt Researcher for Amnesty International, criticized the authorities for punishing inmates instead of addressing the detrimental conditions they face. He pointed out that even in newly constructed prisons like the 10th of Ramadan, inmates experience severe mistreatment due to the lack of oversight and accountability for prison staff.
It is reported that prisoners at this facility experience a total lack of sunlight, as they are denied the daily outdoor exercise stipulated by the Mandela Rules. Inmates are confined to their cells for 23 hours each day, with only one hour allowed for exercise in a corridor within the facility.
The hunger strike began in January and involves several political detainees reacting to their extended pretrial detention and substandard living conditions. These individuals previously requested an inspection by Egypt’s Public Prosecutor to listen to their complaints and investigate allegations regarding the prison administration. Unfortunately, their requests were ignored by the Supreme State Security Prosecution and the Cairo Criminal Court.
In light of these troubling conditions, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) issued a statement on January 12, 2025. Following this, EIPR’s executive director, Hossam Bahgat, faced an investigation by prosecutors for charges of “spreading false news” and “aiding and funding a terrorist group”.
Bahgat was summoned for interrogation by Egypt’s Supreme State Security Prosecution, where he was questioned for over three hours without being briefed on the specific nature of the allegations against him. Human Rights Watch has called for the charges against Bahgat to be dropped, highlighting the need for the protection of human rights defenders.
In conclusion, Amnesty International has called for an end to punitive measures against prisoners protesting inhumane conditions at 10th of Ramadan Prison. The hunger strike reflects significant grievances regarding arbitrary detention and lack of basic rights. Additionally, the investigation and subsequent charges against EIPR’s Hossam Bahgat illustrate the broader dangers faced by human rights defenders in Egypt. Calls for accountability and transparency in the treatment of prisoners continue to grow from credible organizations.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
