The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented the death of prisoner Mohamed Gaber Saad Masoud Ali (46 years old) inside his place of detention at Borg El Arab West Prison on 2 January 2026, after he had served approximately 21 years of a 25-year prison sentence. His death occurred only weeks before his expected release under presidential pardon decisions.
According to statements from his family, Mohamed Gaber was in good health prior to his detention and did not suffer from any chronic medical conditions. However, during the last three years of his imprisonment, he repeatedly complained of ill-treatment and recurrent violations by certain prison officers. Due to fear of retaliation or punitive measures, he was unable to file formal complaints regarding these abuses.
The family further reported that the official report issued by the prison administration stated that the deceased was never presented to any medical authority and did not receive medical treatment throughout the 21 years of his imprisonment. This constitutes a serious indication of gross medical negligence and represents a clear violation of the right to health and the right to life, as guaranteed under the Egyptian Constitution and international human rights standards.
The Committee for Justice stresses that the death of a detainee inside a place of detention—particularly shortly before his release— necessitates the opening of a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. CFJ further calls for a comprehensive review of healthcare conditions within prisons and for ensuring that those responsible for any negligence or violations are held accountable, in order to safeguard the right to life and human dignity of all persons deprived of their liberty.
