The Committee for Justice has documented the arrest of Hani Sobhi, a researcher and journalist, by Egyptian security forces in the early hours of Wednesday, October 22, 2025, reportedly over posts he published on his Facebook page.
During the arrest, Sobhi managed to post a message on his Facebook account stating: “I’m being arrested at El-Marg Police Station”. The post was later deleted, and his phone was switched off.
Lawyer Khaled Ali confirmed that the Supreme State Security Prosecution interrogated Sobhi just hours after his arrest, in connection with Case No. 7143 of 2025.
Ali stated that the prosecution charged Sobhi with several accusations, most notably joining a terrorist group and spreading false news, rumors, and statements. The prosecution ordered his detention for 15 days pending investigation.
CFJ has called for the immediate release of Hani Sobhi, describing his arrest as arbitrary and based solely on posts he published on his personal Facebook account. The organization also urged authorities to halt all security-related harassment against him.
CFJ emphasized that Sobhi’s actions fall within the constitutional right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by Article 65 of the Egyptian Constitution, which states: “Freedom of thought and opinion is guaranteed. Every person has the right to express their opinion verbally, in writing, through imagery, or by other means of expression and publication.”
Additionally, Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Egypt has ratified, affirms that: “Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention.”
