The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented a serious escalation inside New Valley Prison following an open-ended hunger strike launched by political detainees on November 15 to protest ill-treatment and harsh detention conditions.
According to CFJ, testimonies from families confirmed that prison authorities responded to the strike with violent assaults, leaving several detainees injured. Some were transferred to the prison hospital and reportedly administered injections that caused vomiting and severe cramps as a form of reprisal.
Prison authorities attempted to storm Ward 8 by force after detainees protested by chanting and banging on cell doors. However, the National Security officer in charge halted the operation and opened dialogue, which failed to meet detainees’ demands. Detainees insisted they would not end the strike unless transferred out of the prison—a demand that remains unmet.
In a grave development, three detainees from Fayoum—Ahmed Amer, Ahmed Abdel-Hafez, and Mohamed El-Husseiny—attempted suicide but were rescued at the last moment.
CFJ holds Egyptian authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, National Security Agency, and Public Prosecution, fully accountable for what is happening inside New Valley Prison. The committee calls for an urgent and transparent investigation into the ongoing assaults and violations, and demands measures to end impunity.
CFJ further stresses the need to respect detainees’ fundamental human rights, including the right to humane treatment and protection from torture and ill-treatment, as guaranteed under international conventions ratified by Egypt.
