Press release
Geneva – August 9, 2024
A young man in his twenties has reportedly died under torture at the hands of the head of investigations at the Second Tanta Police Station in Gharbia, Egypt.
The incident, which has raised serious concerns about police brutality and impunity, was documented by the Committee for Justice (CFJ).
– Torture Leading to Death:
CFJ has monitored that Muhannad Qandil, a 20-year-old from Kafr Essam, a village near Tanta, died on Monday, August 4th, as a result of torture by Major Ahmed Gomaa, the head of investigations at the Second Tanta Police Station. The incident is allegedly linked to a dispute between the victim and Tanta Appeal Court Judge, Hazem Abdel Hamid, following a traffic altercation.
The Egyptian Ministry of Interior, however, denied the allegations, asserting that Qandil was in custody pending investigation into a separate case. The Ministry claims that the young man died after a violent altercation with four other detainees in his cell, who allegedly assaulted him. Qandil was transferred to a hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries. The Ministry states that legal actions have been taken against the perpetrators, and they have been referred to the public prosecution.
– Calls for Accountability and Investigation:
CFJ condemns the Ministry of Interior’s statement, accusing it of continuing to conceal the truth. CFJ also calls for an independent, transparent, and swift investigation into the circumstances surrounding Qandil’s death, demanding accountability for those responsible and ensuring they do not escape justice.
– 36 Deaths in Custody in 2024:
This incident brings the total number of deaths recorded by CFJ in Egyptian prisons and detention centers since the beginning of 2024 to 36. Accurate information about death cases during detention in Egypt can be obtained through the Justice Watch Archive service provided by CFJ, which contains information about more than 14,000 victims and over 30,000 violations. It also monitors violations inside more than 500 places of detention in Egypt.
