The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has welcomed the decision to allow journalist Saad Mohamed Khattab, aged 74, currently held in 10th of Ramadan Prison, to leave the facility for two hours to attend his daughter’s wedding ceremony in Cairo. The permission was granted following a request submitted to the Ministry of Interior seeking approval for his participation in this significant family occasion.
CFJ commended this humanitarian gesture, considering it a positive response to a legitimate family appeal, and stressed the need for such measures to be institutionalized and extended to similar cases. The committee emphasized that political detainees must be allowed humanitarian exemptions enabling them to attend essential family events in a manner that upholds their dignity and fundamental rights.
Khattab had previously addressed a letter to the Minister of Interior stating that he had spent nearly 30 months in pretrial detention “for nothing but expressing an opinion,” appealing to be allowed to attend his daughter’s wedding “before it is too late.” His request was eventually approved, allowing him a brief presence at the ceremony.
Egyptian security forces had arrested Khattab on 19 August 2023 from his office, after which he was subjected to enforced disappearance for a period at the National Security headquarters in Abbasiya, during which he faced both physical and psychological harm related to one of his published articles. He later appeared before the Supreme State Security Prosecution, which ordered his pretrial detention in Case No. 2063 of 2023 (Supreme State Security) on charges related to terrorism, belonging to a terrorist organization, and spreading false news.
CFJ expressed deep concern over Khattab’s prolonged pretrial detention, particularly given his deteriorating health condition. He suffers from heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and has lost his teeth while in detention, placing his life at significant risk, especially considering his advanced age.
The committee called on the competent authorities to immediately release journalist Saad Mohamed Khattab, ensure his safe return to his family, and guarantee his access to comprehensive and adequate medical care, in full respect of his age, health condition, and the principles of justice and human rights.
