Press Release
The “Committee for Justice” (CFJ) has monitored the continued pretrial detention of Egyptian journalist Medhat Ramadan for 55 months, exceeding the legal limit specified in Article 143 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which sets a maximum duration of 24 months for pretrial detention.
Ramadan completed this period on Sunday, December 29, 2024, in connection with Case No. 680 of 2020, Supreme State Security Prosecution. This has drawn widespread human rights criticism over the delays in resolving his case.
Security forces arrested Ramadan on May 28, 2020, from his family’s home in Monufia Governorate. He was forcibly disappeared for a month before appearing before the Supreme State Security Prosecution on June 27, 2020.
The prosecution charged the journalist with offenses including joining a terrorist group, spreading false news, and misusing social media platforms, leading to his continued pretrial detention without trial.
During his detention, the “Egyptian Observatory for Journalism and Media”—the organization where he worked—submitted a legal memorandum in July 2022 demanding his release for exceeding the maximum pretrial detention period. However, the authorities have continued to hold him without providing clear justification or setting a trial date.
CFJ reiterates categorical rejection of journalist Medhat Ramadan’s ongoing detention, urging the authorities to release him immediately or present him in a public trial that meets international standards of justice. The committee stresses the importance of adhering to the provisions of the pretrial detention laws.
Furthermore, CFJ calls for an end to the use of pretrial detention as a weapon against activists, journalists, and political dissidents, describing such practices as a blatant violation of fundamental rights and freedom of expression.
